Lufthansa Cancels Five Key Flights Between Chicago, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and London Following Cyberattack Disruptions

Published on September 20, 2025

Lufthansa has recently canceled five significant flights across its European and transatlantic network, affecting travelers between Chicago, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and London. These cancellations are part of a broader disruption caused by a cyberattack on Collins Aerospace’s MUSE software, which powers automated check-in and boarding systems at several major European airports, including Frankfurt and Heathrow. The attack occurred on the night of Friday, September 19, 2025, and affected airports in London, Brussels, and Berlin. While Frankfurt Airport was not directly impacted, the cascading effects on the broader network led to the cancellation of multiple Lufthansa flights. The widespread disruption continues to affect operations, causing frustration for travelers and additional strain on airport resources.

Canceled Flights Overview

Causes of Cancellation

The primary cause of these cancellations is a cyberattack on Collins Aerospace’s MUSE software, which disrupted automated check-in and boarding systems at several major European airports. This forced airlines, including Lufthansa, to revert to manual check-in processes, leading to significant delays and cancellations. The attack affected airports in London, Brussels, and Berlin, creating a ripple effect across European air travel. While Frankfurt was not directly impacted, the cascading effects on the broader network led to multiple flight cancellations, including those within Lufthansa’s operations.

Impact on Passengers

The cancellations have caused significant disruptions for many passengers, leaving them stranded and frustrated. Long queues, uncertainty regarding rebooking options, and limited communication from the airline have all contributed to the chaos. At Heathrow, for example, passengers were left waiting for assistance, with no dedicated service desk to address their concerns. Travelers at affected airports reported feeling left in the dark, with little information on the status of their flights.

Lufthansa has stated that it is working to rebook affected passengers on alternative flights, but the manual check-in process has slowed down operations. The airline has also advised travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to arrive no earlier than three hours before long-haul flights. Passengers have been urged to check Lufthansa’s website and mobile app for the latest updates, as the airline continues to work towards restoring normal operations.

Key Affected Destinations

The canceled flights connect several major cities, disrupting both business and leisure travel. These destinations are key to Lufthansa’s European and transatlantic network:

• Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Frankfurt (FRA): This transatlantic route is an essential link between the U.S. and Germany, with significant business and tourist traffic.
• Hamburg (HAM) to Frankfurt (FRA): This domestic German route serves as a key connector within Lufthansa’s German network.
• Frankfurt (FRA) to London Heathrow (LHR): A crucial international link between two of Europe’s busiest airports, serving business travelers, tourists, and transatlantic connections.

These cancellations have caused disruptions not only for passengers on these routes but also for connecting flights from these major hubs. The ripple effect on air traffic is likely to continue as airlines work to restore schedules.

Impact and the Way Ahead

The cyberattack on Collins Aerospace’s MUSE software has caused widespread disruption to Lufthansa’s operations, resulting in the cancellation of several key flights. Passengers have faced significant delays and inconvenience, with many struggling to find alternative flights. As the airline works to resolve the issue, travelers are advised to stay updated on their flight status and expect potential delays. This incident underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in protecting critical aviation infrastructure and the need for swift recovery plans to mitigate such disruptions. As airlines like Lufthansa recover from these setbacks, it is essential to continue strengthening the resilience of aviation systems against future cyber threats.

Impact on the Broader Industry

This incident is not isolated to Lufthansa alone; other European airlines operating at the affected airports have also faced challenges in managing disruptions. With the increasing reliance on automated systems for flight check-ins and boarding, the impact of such cyberattacks can be severe. Airlines will need to consider revising their cybersecurity protocols to ensure the resilience of their operations against such attacks. Additionally, further delays in air traffic could have broader consequences on tourism and business travel, especially during peak travel seasons. As the travel industry recovers, strengthening cyber defenses and improving crisis management strategies will be crucial for minimizing future disruptions.

(Image Credit: Lufthansa)

(Data Source: FlightAware)