Cyberattack Cripples Muse Software, Major European Airports Forced Back to Manual Operations

Airports globally implement different types of software to govern operations. This software operates equipment, eliminating tasks and time. This eventually enhances the passenger experience and plays a major role in timely flights. But what if this software-based system crashes?

In fact, the same thing happened on Saturday at some of the biggest airports in Europe and globally. Reports came out that Muse, which is the software operated in Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin airports, had been compromised. The unexpected cyberattack resulted in major losses to both airlines and passengers, knocking out the automated check-in facilities at all three airports. Flights were canceled and most were delayed for hours.

All airport procedures are technology-dependent. But after the system failure, the staff in the airports had to go back to traditional ways of doing things. They used their hands to write out baggage tags and compile boarding lists on their phones. It was as if the airport had suddenly gone back decades. This situation was caused by insufficient staffing and manual processing. Consequently, passengers faced long queues and canceled flights.