Flight Was Canceled Because of Cyberattack On Airport Service Provider, What Are My Rights and What Should I Do?

Are Airport Technology Failures Getting Worse, and How Can I Better Prepare for Travel Delays?

A cyberattack on a technology provider has caused significant travel disruptions across several major European airports. This event highlights how interconnected modern air travel is and what can happen when a single system fails.

A Cyberattack Hits a Key Travel Company

On Friday, September 19, 2025, a company named Collins Aerospace experienced a cyber-related problem. Collins Aerospace is a major U.S. company that provides technology to airports and airlines. It is a part of RTX Corporation, a large firm in the aerospace and defense industry. Many airports use technology from Collins Aerospace to make travel easier for passengers. This technology includes check-in kiosks where you can print your boarding pass and baggage tags.

The specific system that was affected is called Muse. The Muse software is important because it allows many different airlines to use the same check-in counters and gates at an airport. Instead of each airline needing its own separate equipment, they can all share the airport’s resources through this system. When the Muse system went down because of the cyberattack, the electronic check-in and baggage drop-off services stopped working. This forced airports to switch to manual methods, which are much slower.

Collins Aerospace confirmed the “cyber-related disruption” and stated they were working to fix the problem as quickly as possible. However, the incident caused immediate and widespread issues for airports and travelers.

Widespread Delays Across European Airports

The failure of the Collins Aerospace system created a ripple effect, impacting airports that rely on their technology. The main problem was at the check-in counters, where everything had to be done by hand. This led to long lines, delays, and frustration for thousands of passengers.

Berlin-Brandenburg International (BER)

This German airport experienced major problems. The airport spokesperson confirmed that the IT issues at the external service provider meant check-in could not be done automatically. Airport staff had to enter all passenger data manually, one person at a time. The airport’s website posted a notice about a “technical malfunction” causing longer waiting times. A crisis team was formed to manage the situation and work on a solution.

London Heathrow (LHR)

As one of the world’s busiest airports, Heathrow also faced significant check-in problems. The disruption added to the complexity of managing a high volume of passengers, leading to delays and long queues. The BBC confirmed that the issues at Heathrow were directly linked to the cyberattack on the service provider.

Brussels Airport (BRU)

This airport in Belgium was also heavily affected. Like the others, it had to switch to manual check-in for passengers. The situation in Brussels was so severe that Eurocontrol, the European air safety organization, took a major step. It asked airlines to cancel half of all flights scheduled to depart from or arrive at Brussels Airport for nearly a full day. This drastic measure was intended to reduce the number of passengers and prevent the airport from becoming completely overwhelmed.

Münster Osnabrück International Airport (FMO)

This smaller German airport also experienced issues. However, their response was swift. They reportedly shut down certain affected servers and switched over to the airport’s own backup systems. This proactive measure helped them manage the situation more effectively.

Other major German airports, including Frankfurt, Munich, and Hamburg, reported that their operations were running normally. They were not affected by this particular system failure, which shows that not all airports use the same technology provider.

Why This Event Is Important for Everyone

This cyberattack is more than just a travel inconvenience. It serves as a clear example of the vulnerabilities in our modern, connected world. Many essential services, including transportation, rely on a few key technology companies. When one of these companies has a problem, it can affect millions of people. This is often referred to as an attack on critical infrastructure. While this incident did not directly endanger lives, it caused significant economic and logistical problems.

The event shows the importance of having strong backup plans. The airports were forced to revert to manual check-in, which is a last-resort backup. This is slow and inefficient but better than a complete shutdown. The airport in Münster demonstrated a more robust plan by switching to its own internal systems. This highlights the need for organizations to not only protect themselves from cyberattacks but also to have effective contingency plans in place for when their partners or suppliers are attacked. This is known as managing supply chain risk. For travelers, it is a reminder that technology can fail, and it is wise to be prepared for unexpected disruptions.

Advice for Travelers During a Tech Outage

If you find yourself caught in a situation like this, there are several steps you can take to manage the disruption and reduce your stress.

• Check Your Flight Status Constantly: Before you leave for the airport, check the status of your flight directly with your airline. Also, check the official airport website and their social media pages for the latest updates on the situation.
• Use Online Check-In: In this incident, it was reported that online check-in through airline websites or apps was still working. If this option is available, use it. Having your boarding pass on your phone can save you from having to wait in the long check-in counter line.
• Arrive at the Airport Extra Early: Manual processes take much more time than automated ones. If you must check in at the airport or drop off bags, plan to arrive several hours earlier than you normally would. Airport authorities will usually provide guidance on how much extra time is needed.
• Travel with Carry-On Luggage Only: If possible, avoid checking a bag. The baggage drop-off process is often a major bottleneck during these types of outages. If you can travel with only a carry-on, you may be able to bypass the longest queues.
• Pack Essentials in Your Carry-On: Be prepared for long delays. Pack snacks, a water bottle, a portable phone charger, and any essential medications in your carry-on bag.
• Stay Patient and Calm: Airport staff are often working under immense pressure during these events. While the situation is difficult, maintaining a calm and patient attitude can help ensure a smoother, safer process for everyone.

By staying informed and preparing for the worst-case scenario, you can better navigate the challenges of an unexpected airport technology failure.