Aviation Sector Under Siege as Cyberattacks Spike 600%

The year 2025 has been marked by an unprecedented increase in cyber threats against global infrastructure and, especially, aviation. As reported by Bloomberg, the reliance of air transport on complex technological systems has made it one of the main targets of hacker attacks. The seriousness of the situation is confirmed by a report from the French defense company Thales SA, according to which the number of ransomware attacks in the aviation sector has increased by a staggering 600% compared to last year.

Dozens of recent cyberattacks have targeted all links in the aviation ecosystem, from airlines and airports to navigation systems and maintenance services. The true scale and consequences of this threat were vividly demonstrated recently at Europe's largest air hubs. The airports of Berlin, London, and Brussels are still unable to restore their normal operations and continue to face endless delays. The reason is a cyberattack on the key check-in system of the airlines. At the heart of the disruption is a targeted attack on the servers of the Collins Aerospace company.

On September 19, hackers managed to disable the MUSE software. This platform is not just a program but the "heart" of the passenger check-in, boarding, and baggage handling systems used by many airlines around the world. The paralysis of MUSE led to a digital collapse: airport staff were forced to switch to the outdated method of manual service. This not only drastically slowed down all processes but also caused complete chaos: huge queues, flight cancellations, and a situation of uncertainty for tens of thousands of passengers.

The attack on Collins Aerospace is a sobering warning for the entire aviation industry. It shows how vulnerable international air communication can be, depending on a few key digital platforms. The failure of one system can paralyze the air gates of many countries in a chain reaction, leading not only to a logistical nightmare but also to huge financial losses. At this moment, industry leaders and experts are still only confirming the existence of the problem. A comprehensive solution has not yet been outlined. Therefore, experts do not rule out the prospect of new attacks in the near future, with more extensive and more dangerous consequences.