Cyberattack Disrupts European Airports, Suspect Arrested

LONDON – British authorities announced on Wednesday the arrest of a man in connection with a ransomware attack targeting Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, which caused significant disruptions to check-in systems at various airports across Europe.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) reported that the individual, who is in his 40s, was arrested on Tuesday under the Computer Misuse Act and has since been released on conditional bail.

NCA Deputy Director Paul Foster mentioned, “While this arrest is a positive development, the investigation is still in its early phases and continues.”

Details about the responsible criminal organization remain unclear. An NCA representative chose not to disclose further information.

Typically, ransomware groups announce their attacks and share stolen data on dark web sites, yet monitoring platforms had not identified any group taking responsibility for this particular breach as of Wednesday.

Ransomware, which is a type of malicious software, encrypts a company’s data demanding payment for decryption. These groups usually operate discreetly, often steering clear of targets that could attract law enforcement attention.

The incident involving Collins Aerospace adds to a growing list of cyberattacks in Europe that have led to serious offline repercussions.

Jaguar Land Rover, the largest car manufacturer in Britain, announced on Tuesday an extension of its factory closures until October 1 due to a hack earlier this month that severely disrupted operations and affected smaller suppliers.

Berlin airport, among those influenced by the Collins Aerospace attack, indicated on Wednesday that it might take several additional days to restore fully operational and secure software, according to statements from the operator.