European Air Traffic Gradually Returning to Normal After System Glitch
Airports across Europe are reporting a slow but steady return to normal operations following a technical issue that disrupted flight data processing systems on Tuesday. While the full extent of the disruption is still being assessed, early indications suggest the worst of the delays are easing as engineers work to resolve the underlying problem.
The disruption, impacting airspace managed by several countries, stemmed from a failure within a system operated by Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX. The company provides critical flight facts services to 170 airports worldwide. The incident highlights the increasing reliance of modern air travel on complex digital infrastructure adn the potential for widespread disruption when those systems falter. Though Eurocontrol, the European air traffic management institution, confirmed there was “no restriction on air traffic control on the European network,” meaningful delays and cancellations occurred as airlines struggled to receive necessary data.
Collins Aerospace stated it is working “as quickly as possible” to fully restore the system.The company specializes in data processing for aeronautics and plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth flow of air traffic.
Recent years have seen a rise in cyberattacks and digital breakdowns impacting air transport globally, underscoring the vulnerability of the sector to such incidents. The situation serves as a reminder of the need for robust cybersecurity measures and resilient systems to mitigate future disruptions.
