Flights grounded at all Greek airports – Passenger disruption as NOTAM issued

A major issue preventing aircraft take-offs and landings at Greek airports has been recorded in the Athens FIR since Sunday morning (04/01).

Specifically, problems have been identified with radio frequencies in Greek airspace, resulting in aircraft being grounded at airports nationwide. The technical issue is affecting all flights to and from Greece, both at the country’s largest airport, Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”, and at all other airports across the country, with airlines informing passengers of delays.

Due to the “blockage” that has occurred, all flights are being diverted to neighbouring airports.

For the time being, only flights that are already airborne are being handled. According to information, the issue arose this morning due to problems with the frequencies of the Civil Aviation Authority’s Air Traffic Control Centre, at facilities of the Athens and Macedonia Area Control Centres in Elliniko, which manage air traffic in their respective areas of responsibility.

The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA), in cooperation with Cosmote, is working to identify the problem and restore the fault as soon as possible, while an official announcement from the HCAA is expected.

Temporary suspension of flights at “Eleftherios Venizelos”

According to an announcement by Athens International Airport, “due to a technical issue in the Air Traffic Control system, all arrivals and departures to and from Athens International Airport are temporarily suspended.”

Crowding and disruption at airports

The situation at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” is indicative, with significant disruption as flight arrival and departure boards are constantly changing or showing cancellations. Airport areas are crowded with passengers and companions, as no one can depart and passengers are seeking updates from officials. At the same time, an “eerie” silence prevails in the outdoor areas, as the familiar sound of aircraft is absent.

HCAA announcement – NOTAM issued

In a statement, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority said:

“Some frequencies serving the needs of the Athens FIR are experiencing a problem, which is being investigated in cooperation with competent external bodies. In order to ensure absolute flight safety, only part of overflights is being handled, and restrictions have been imposed at Greek airports. To this end, a relevant NOTAM has already been issued. The matter is under investigation and further announcements will follow.”

Update from the Ministry of Transport

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport also stressed that some frequencies serving the needs of the Athens FIR are facing a problem, which is being investigated together with competent external bodies.

“For the absolute maintenance of flight safety, only part of overflights is being handled, and restrictions have been imposed at Greek airports. To this end, a relevant NOTAM has already been issued. The matter is under investigation and further announcements will follow,” the ministry said in its briefing.

The issue remains under investigation, and further updates are expected.

OTE statement

“Earlier today, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority informed OTE of a problem with the radio communication frequencies of Greek airports. Initial checks did not indicate a technical problem in OTE circuits. We are in close cooperation with the Civil Aviation Authority to assist in identifying the problem and finding a solution.”