Man arrested in connection with Europe airports cyberattack 

A man has been arrested in the UK as part of an investigation into an alleged cyberattack that disrupted Heathrow and other major European airports at the weekend.

The incident, reported on Friday, September 19, affected the multi-user system environment (Muse) software which allows multiple airlines to use the same check-in desks and boarding gates.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) said a man in his 40s was arrested in West Sussex yesterday (September 23) on suspicion of Computer Misuse Act offences. He has been released on conditional bail.

Paul Foster, head of the NCA’s National Cyber Crime Unit, said: “Although this arrest is a positive step, the investigation into this incident is in its early stages and remains ongoing.”

About half the airlines at Heathrow were back online on Sunday, with British Airways deploying a backup system, and most disruption was due to delays rather than cancellations.

Two-thirds of flights at Heathrow (66%) got away within 30 minutes of their scheduled departure on Saturday and 2% were cancelled, compared with almost 7% at Brussels and 3% at Berlin. Frankfurt, Paris Charles de Gaulle and Munich airports were also affected.

The Muse system is licensed by US-based Collins Aerospace.

Foster added: “Cybercrime is a persistent global threat that continues to cause significant disruption to the UK. 

“Alongside our partners here and overseas, the NCA is committed to reducing that threat in order to protect the British public.”

The arrest was made by NCA officers, supported by South East Regional Organised Crime Unit.