Airports across Europe have faced major disruption following a ransomware cyber attack that hit critical check-in and boarding systems last week. The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) has confirmed that the attack targeted a widely used passenger management platform, forcing airlines to revert to manual check-in and boarding procedures.

This incident highlights the increasing threat of ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure and the urgent need for businesses — not just airports — to strengthen their cybersecurity and resilience strategies.

What Happened?

On Friday night, hackers infiltrated systems used by Collins Aerospace, a US-based software provider. Their Muse check-in software was scrambled, impacting Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin airports, among others.

Key points of impact:

• Thousands of computers corrupted across airport systems.

• Manual workarounds deployed by airlines to keep passengers moving.

• Over 140 flights cancelled at Brussels Airport alone.

• British Airways and other airlines forced onto back-up systems.

Although Heathrow stressed that the “vast majority of flights” continued, many passengers still experienced delays, cancellations, and uncertainty.

The Nature of the Attack

According to ENISA, the attackers used ransomware — malicious software that locks or scrambles systems until a ransom is paid, often in cryptocurrency.

An internal memo, seen by the BBC, revealed that:

• Collins rebuilt and relaunched systems, only to find hackers were still inside the network.

• More than 1,000 machines may have been compromised.

• Staff were advised not to log out or restart systems, suggesting persistent infiltration.

Collins Aerospace has so far referred to the issue only as a “cyber incident” but admitted they are in the final stages of issuing software updates to resolve the breach.

The Bigger Picture: Ransomware on the Rise

This isn’t an isolated incident. Ransomware has become one of the biggest threats to global businesses, with criminal gangs earning hundreds of millions each year.

• In April 2025, UK retailer Marks & Spencer was hit by ransomware, costing at least £400m in recovery and months of disruption.

• According to aerospace giant Thales, cyberattacks on the aviation sector alone have increased by 600% in the past year.

These attacks are highly organised, often run by international cyber crime groups, and can paralyse even the most secure sectors.

What This Means for UK Organisations

The aviation incident demonstrates how ransomware can devastate operations, customer trust, and financial stability. Whether you’re an airport, retailer, school, or SME, the lessons are the same:

• Business continuity matters – Have a disaster recovery plan to minimise downtime.

• Endpoint protection is critical – Attackers often exploit poorly secured devices.

• Proactive monitoring reduces risk – Threat detection and 24/7 monitoring can spot intrusions early.

• Regular backups save time and money – Immutable and off-site backups are essential for fast recovery.

• Staff awareness is key – Human error remains one of the biggest vulnerabilities.

How CSLN Group Can Help

At CSLN Group, we provide cybersecurity solutions, managed IT support, and cloud security to help organisations stay one step ahead of threats like ransomware.

From proactive monitoring and endpoint protection to incident response planning and compliance support, we help businesses build resilient IT systems that can withstand modern cyber threats.

Don’t Wait for a Breach

The airport ransomware attack is a stark reminder that no organisation is immune. The cost of weak defences — in downtime, lost revenue, and reputational damage — can be devastating.

📞 Contact CSLN Group today to book a free consultation and discover how our managed cybersecurity services can protect your business before it’s too late.