On 20th September 2025, the Austrian broadcaster ORF reported on a series of cyber attacks targeting major European airports, including London Heathrow, Brussels Airport, and others. These incidents have sparked concern across Europe regarding digital infrastructure security, particularly in critical sectors like transportation.
Past attacks add context to the severity of the problem. Last year, both Milan airports in Italy were targeted, with the pro-Russian hacker group Noname057 claiming responsibility. Such attacks raise questions about Europe’s preparedness for digital threats, and whether geopolitical motives are behind these cyber intrusions.
Europe’s Growing Digital Vulnerability
As European airports and institutions increasingly adopt digital systems for operations and management, the potential impact of cyberattacks becomes more pronounced. Airports rely heavily on digital networks for air traffic control, passenger services, and security systems.
Even a minor disruption can have far-reaching consequences, including:
- Flight delays or cancellations affecting thousands of passengers
- Economic losses from disrupted trade and tourism
- Risks to national security and emergency response systems
Public opinion is now questioning Europe’s ability to protect its digital infrastructure. How resilient are these systems? Can Europe prevent future disruptions before they escalate?
Attribution Challenges: Who is Behind the Attacks?
The pro-Russian claims surrounding the Milan airport attacks raise several questions:
- Is Russia directly responsible for these cyberattacks?
- If yes, what is the strategic or political objective?
- Or, are third parties exploiting hacker groups to carry out attacks while blaming Russia, thereby gaining a geopolitical advantage?
Attributing cyberattacks is notoriously difficult. Hackers often mask their locations and techniques, leaving investigators to differentiate between state-sponsored, independent, or third-party operations. Regardless of the attacker, the attacks underscore systemic vulnerabilities in Europe’s digital infrastructure.
Lessons from Previous Attacks
The Milan incident demonstrates how targeted cyberattacks can disrupt airport operations and spread uncertainty. Key takeaways include:
- The need for redundant systems to ensure operations continue if a network is compromised
- The importance of rapid response teams trained in cybersecurity incident management
- Strengthening international cooperation to detect and mitigate attacks before they escalate
These lessons apply not only to airports but to other critical infrastructure sectors, including finance, healthcare, and energy.
The Rising Threat of Pro-Russian Hacker Groups
Groups like Noname057 and other alleged Russian-affiliated hackers have targeted European systems in the past. Their objectives often include:
- Disrupting public services and creating chaos
- Collecting sensitive data from institutions or companies
- Sending political messages or influencing public opinion
While some attacks are overtly claimed, others remain covert, making it challenging to establish responsibility. This ambiguity can be exploited by third parties seeking to pin the blame on specific countries and manipulate public perception.
Europe’s Cybersecurity Challenges
Europe faces significant challenges in protecting its critical digital infrastructure:
- Underinvestment in cybersecurity: Many institutions prioritize digital transformation but lag in defensive measures.
- Fragmented cybersecurity policies: Coordination across EU countries is uneven, with varying standards and capabilities.
- Rapid evolution of cyber threats: Hackers continuously adapt their methods, requiring equally agile defense strategies.
- Public-private cooperation gaps: Airports and transport hubs are often operated by private companies, making coordination with government cybersecurity agencies crucial.
These challenges suggest that Europe must move from reactive measures to proactive cybersecurity strategies, focusing on prevention, detection, and rapid mitigation.
Why Europe Must Prioritize Cyber Defense
While debates about the origin of attacks continue, the urgent need for investment in cybersecurity is clear. Protecting digital infrastructure is critical because attacks can disrupt essential services, economic activity, and public confidence.
Recommended measures include:
- Regular cybersecurity audits for airports and other transport hubs
- Investment in advanced threat detection systems
- Mandatory cybersecurity training for staff handling sensitive operations
- International information-sharing agreements to respond to threats collaboratively
Focusing on strengthening Europe’s cyber defenses ensures resilience regardless of the attacker’s identity.
The Impact of Cyber Attacks on Daily Life
Disruptions at airports have direct and indirect consequences for citizens:
- Travelers face cancellations, delays, and security issues
- Airlines and businesses experience economic losses
- Emergency services may be affected if digital control systems are compromised
- Public confidence in technology-driven services can decline
These risks emphasize that cybersecurity is not just a technical issue; it is a matter of public safety, economic stability, and national security.
Geopolitical Implications
Attacks on European airports also have geopolitical dimensions. Allegations of Russian involvement, whether accurate or manipulated, highlight how cyber operations can be used as tools of influence.
Europe’s response to such attacks will signal to the world whether it is capable of defending its critical infrastructureor vulnerable to digital disruption. Effective response requires both technical capabilities and strategic policymaking.
Conclusion: Strengthening Europe’s Digital Defenses
The cyber attacks on European airports, from London to Milan, demonstrate that digital infrastructure is a prime targetfor sophisticated hackers. While the origin of attacks may remain unclear, one fact is undeniable: Europe must urgently strengthen its cybersecurity measures.
Proactive strategies, coordinated policies, and robust investments will ensure that Europe can protect critical infrastructure, maintain public confidence, and respond effectively to future cyber threats. The focus should be on resilience and prevention, not solely on attribution.