Ransomware attack behind disruptions in air travel across Europe

**Ransomware Attack Behind Disruptions in Air Travel Across Europe**

*By Akash Pandey | Sep 22, 2025, 05:55 PM*

A recent ransomware attack has been identified as the cause behind widespread disruptions in air travel across Europe, leading to the cancellation and delay of hundreds of flights and affecting thousands of passengers.

The European Union’s cybersecurity agency, ENISA, confirmed that the incident targeted the automated check-in systems supplied by Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX. ENISA is currently investigating the malicious software used in the attack but has not disclosed the origin of the assault or detailed its specific impact.

**Targeted Threats and Increasing Visibility**

Rafe Pilling, Director of Threat Intelligence at UK-based cybersecurity firm Sophos, noted a rise in ransomware attempts aimed at high-profile targets. While the frequency of such attacks is not necessarily increasing, their prominence is growing due to the nature of the victims.

“Disruptive attacks are becoming more visible in Europe,” Pilling said, “but they still remain relatively rare occurrences.”

**Recovery Efforts Underway**

In response to the incident, Collins Aerospace is collaborating closely with affected airports including Brussels and London Heathrow. The company is in the final stages of updating its systems to restore full operational capacity.

Despite these efforts, some airports continue to experience issues with their check-in systems, resulting in ongoing delays for travelers.

**The Growing Ransomware Threat**

Ransomware remains one of the most common forms of cyberattack worldwide. A recent survey conducted by the German industry group Bitkom, involving approximately 1,000 companies, revealed that one in seven organizations has paid a ransom to regain access to their data.

This underscores the increasing danger posed by ransomware, which locks victims out of their own data until a ransom is paid.

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As cybersecurity threats evolve, the aviation industry and other critical sectors must remain vigilant to minimize disruption and protect essential services.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/ransomware-to-blame-for-attack-across-airports-enisa/story