A serious radio communications fault disrupted Greek air traffic on 4 January, affecting the Athens Flight Information Region and causing widespread problems for flights.
The problem concerned the radio systems used by pilots to communicate with air traffic control centres, affecting the safe management of take-offs and landings across the country.
Departures and arrivals affected
The initial report described suspended departures and arrivals at Greek airports, leaving hundreds of passengers waiting. Flights due to depart were delayed, with some cancelled or moved to later times pending restoration of the systems.
Aircraft already in the air continued to receive assistance under special safety procedures, according to the information available at the time.
Why the Athens FIR matters
The Athens Flight Information Region is the area within which Greece is responsible for air traffic information and control services. It covers Greek airspace and is an important hub for both international and domestic flights.
A malfunction can have an immediate, widespread impact on airports and flight safety, since radio communications are essential to coordination between pilots and controllers.
Efforts to restore communications
The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority was working with technical teams and telecommunications providers to restore the frequencies as quickly as possible. No firm timetable for full restoration had been announced at the time of publication.
In its statement, the authority said:
“Frequency problem in the Athens FIR.
“Some frequencies serving the Athens FIR are experiencing a problem, which is being investigated with the relevant external organisations.
“To maintain absolute flight safety, only some overflights are being accommodated and restrictions have been imposed at Greek airports. A relevant NOTAM has already been issued.
“The matter is under investigation and further announcements will follow.”
Passengers due to travel were advised to contact their airlines before going to airports to check the status of their flights.
Further official information was expected on the technical problem and the resumption of air traffic.
The incident underlined the importance of reliable air traffic control technology, where a single malfunction can affect thousands of passengers and dozens of flights.
