On Sunday morning, flights experienced significant disruptions in Greece due to a technical glitch within the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR). This issue affected both arrivals and departures at Athens’ main airport, as well as several regional airports.
Details of the Technical Disruption
The problem is linked to the central radio frequency systems operated by the Athens and Macedonia Area Control Centers, which are managed by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA). Reports indicate that the radio frequencies essential for this control center have ceased operation. This is critical because all aircraft entering Greek airspace must communicate with the center.
- All flights to and from Greece are affected.
- Aircraft already in flight are continuing to operate without issues.
Response and Safety Measures
In response to the glitch, the Air Traffic Controllers Association has initiated measures to manage the unfolding situation. “We had to suspend all departures from Greek airports,” stated Panagiotis Psaros, president of the association. “At the same time, we are implementing strategies to ensure that aircraft already airborne can land safely.”
The HCAA is collaborating with other relevant agencies to investigate the root cause of this technical malfunction. Preliminary assessments suggest that the issue may stem from a circuit failure, but officials have not confirmed this as the definitive source.
Current Operational Status
While efforts are ongoing to resolve the glitch, a temporary closure of the affected sector has been enforced. Only overflights—aircraft passing through Greek airspace without landing—are permitted to continue during this disruption. As of now, there is no clear timeline for when normal flight operations will resume.
Authorities are diligently working to restore services and provide updates as more information becomes available. This incident highlights the importance of robust communication systems in maintaining the safety and efficiency of air travel.
