Asger Risom
A 40-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a cyberattack that crippled check-in systems at major European airports, including London’s Heathrow. The incident disrupted dozens of flights and impacted thousands of passengers.
A 40-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a cyberattack that crippled check-in systems at major European airports, including London’s Heathrow. The incident disrupted dozens of flights and impacted thousands of passengers.
Disruptions at Major Hubs
The cyberattack caused chaos at key international airports across Europe. Heathrow, Berlin, Brussels, and Dublin were among those affected, with automated check-in systems taken offline and flights delayed or cancelled.
Arrest in West Sussex
UK authorities arrested a 40-year-old man in West Sussex on Tuesday. The suspect was later released on bail, but the investigation remains ongoing as officials continue to trace the source and scope of the attack.
NCA Issues Statement
Deputy Director Paul Foster of the National Cyber Crime Unit said the arrest marks a “positive step,” but emphasized that the case is in early stages. The NCA continues to work with international partners to pursue leads.
Check-In System Targeted
The attack focused on systems provided by Collins Aerospace, a major supplier of check-in and boarding technologies used at airports across Europe. The breach disrupted airport operations and triggered emergency protocols.
Collins Aerospace Hit
Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, confirmed the breach last Friday. The company’s platforms are essential to the smooth operation of passenger processing, making the disruption widespread and severe.
Ripple Effect Across Europe
Airports from London to Berlin experienced long queues and flight delays. At Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, travellers faced extended wait times and manual check-in procedures for hours.
Thousands of Passengers Affected
Estimates suggest that thousands of travellers experienced cancellations, missed connections, or hours-long delays. Airlines scrambled to manually reprocess passengers while systems were being restored.
Ongoing International Investigation
Regulatory bodies in multiple countries have launched investigations into the origins of the cyberattack. Officials are considering the possibility of a broader campaign targeting critical infrastructure.
Cyber Threats Expanding
The airport breach is the latest in a string of cyberattacks across Europe. Authorities note that no sector is immune, with transportation, retail, and manufacturing all increasingly in the crosshairs.
Other Sectors Also Hit
Recent weeks have seen attacks on Jaguar Land Rover, halting vehicle production, and on retailer Marks & Spencer, which suffered financial losses reportedly in the hundreds of millions of pounds.
Heightened Security Measures
In the wake of the attack, airports and aviation technology providers are reviewing cybersecurity protocols. Governments across Europe are being urged to tighten protections for key transport infrastructure.
This article is made and published by Asger Risom, which may have used AI in the preparation
