Greece Airspace Disruption Strands Thousands of Travellers Across Europe
Massive flight disruptions in Greece due to airspace shutdown caused by communication system failure.
Thousands of passengers have been stranded across Europe after a communications failure forced Greece to partially shut its airspace, triggering widespread flight cancellations and delays at major airports, including Athens International Airport.
Greek authorities suspended arrivals and departures early on Sunday after air traffic controllers lost radio contact with aircraft, raising safety concerns. While some outbound flights have since resumed, inbound flights remain restricted, with many aircraft ordered to divert or return to their departure airports.
Athens and Thessaloniki among worst hit
Athens, one of southern Europe’s busiest aviation hubs, has been heavily affected, with more than 90 flights disrupted to and from the capital alone. Thessaloniki airport has been closed entirely, further compounding travel chaos as thousands of passengers remain stuck.
An airport staff member told the BBC that up to 35 departures per hour were being permitted from Athens, but the airport is still unable to receive inbound flights.
Flights from cities including Dublin, Barcelona and Paris were ordered to turn back mid-journey, while services from Copenhagen and Malta were cancelled outright. Several flights at regional Greek airports were also delayed, including services from Heraklion in Crete, one of which was bound for Munich, according to public broadcaster ERT.
Diversions and travel disruption
Most inbound flights to Greece are being diverted to Turkey if not cancelled altogether, ERT reported. The disruption has come at a particularly busy time, with Athens typically handling over 600 flights per day as travellers return from winter holidays ahead of the working week.
Many passengers have complained of limited information at airports, while domestic travellers may be forced to rely on Greece’s rail network, which would significantly extend journey times.
Cause traced to radio system failure
The disruption is believed to stem from a failure in the radio communications system used by air traffic controllers. Panagiotis Psarros, chair of the Association of Greek Air Traffic Controllers, told ERT:
“We could not communicate with aircraft in the sky.”
Greek security services are investigating the incident, with initial findings suggesting the issue may be linked to a malfunctioning antenna in the Gerania Mountains near Athens.
Regional assistance underway
Italy, Turkey and Cyprus are assisting Greece in managing air traffic as authorities work to fully restore communications and normal flight operations.