Delhi Airport Operations Safe Despite European MUSE Software Cyberattack Alert
Following a widespread cyberattack affecting multiple European airports, including London Heathrow and Brussels, Indian authorities have confirmed that Delhi Airport’s operations remain unaffected despite using the same MUSE software. The cyber incident, which disrupted check-ins, boarding, and flight management in Europe, prompted the Ministry of Information Technology to conduct a precautionary assessment across Indian aviation hubs.
Officials clarified that while the MUSE application is active at Delhi Airport, no adverse impact has been reported. Similarly, Navi Mumbai Airport employs the software, though it is currently non-operational. “We have engaged with multiple stakeholders and can confirm no repercussions have been observed at any Indian airport,” a ministry spokesperson stated.
The MUSE software, developed by Collins Aerospace, has predominantly been deployed in European airports, with only a limited number of sites affected by the attack. The government has been attempting to establish direct communication with Collins Aerospace, though initial attempts were made via email due to restricted phone access.Other major Indian airports, including those in Goa, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Mangaluru, Guwahati, and Thiruvananthapuram, do not utilise MUSE software, further minimising the risk to domestic operations. Aviation experts noted that this limited exposure provides additional assurance that India’s airport network remains largely insulated from the European cyber disruption.
The European cyberattack caused significant flight cancellations, delays, and passenger inconvenience, highlighting the growing vulnerabilities of global aviation infrastructure to digital threats. While the incident underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures, Indian authorities emphasise that continuous monitoring and proactive safeguards are in place.IT ministry officials confirmed that internal reviews and audits have been heightened across airports using similar platforms. Measures include verifying system integrity, ensuring backup protocols, and monitoring for potential anomalies in flight management systems. Aviation analysts suggest that India’s multi-layered cybersecurity framework has so far mitigated the risk posed by such international incidents.
With increasing digitisation in aviation operations, including passenger check-ins, baggage handling, and flight scheduling, officials stress the importance of resilience planning and coordination with software providers. “Proactive assessment and timely communication with vendors are critical to safeguarding operations from cascading cyber disruptions,” the spokesperson added.Delhi Airport’s operational continuity demonstrates the resilience of Indian aviation infrastructure, providing confidence to passengers and stakeholders. While vigilance remains high, the current situation illustrates the importance of coordinated cybersecurity protocols in a globalised and increasingly digital air transport ecosystem.
