- A man in his forties was arrested in West Sussex over a cyber-attack affecting Collins Aerospace.
- The attack caused widespread flight delays and cancellations across multiple European airports, including Heathrow, Brussels, Dublin, and Berlin.
- Airlines had to resort to manual check-in and boarding procedures, with extra staff deployed to assist passengers.
- Collins Aerospace is rebuilding its software after a failed relaunch, with no clear timeline for full restoration.
- Ransomware was confirmed as the method of attack, which can disrupt systems and demand cryptocurrency payment.
- The suspect was released on bail; the investigation remains ongoing.
- Cyber-attacks targeting the aviation sector have surged by 600% over the past year, highlighting growing security concerns.
Authorities have arrested a man in his forties in connection with a cyber-attack that wreaked havoc across multiple European airports, including Heathrow. The National Crime Agency (NCA) confirmed the suspect was detained in West Sussex as part of the investigation into the incident involving US-based Collins Aerospace.
The cyber-attack disrupted baggage handling and check-in systems for several airlines, leaving passengers stranded and forcing some airports to process boarding using pen and paper. While the arrest is being described as a positive development, investigators emphasize that the probe is still in its early stages, and the suspect has been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Internal communications at Heathrow reveal that Collins Aerospace is working to rebuild its software after a failed relaunch attempt on Monday. The company has not provided a clear timeline for full restoration and is urging airlines and ground staff to continue using manual processes for at least another week. Extra staff have been deployed at airports to help manage delays, but disruptions persist.
The EU’s cyber-security agency has confirmed that ransomware was used in the attack—a malicious tactic designed to disrupt systems and demand payment in cryptocurrency. The breach was first discovered on Friday night, causing flight cancellations and delays over the weekend and continuing disruptions into this week across Brussels, Dublin, Berlin, and other European hubs.
Cybersecurity experts warn that attacks on aviation infrastructure are on the rise, with a report from French aerospace firm Thales noting a 600% increase in such incidents over the past year.
