Disruptions in the operation of Greek airports began at 9 local time. As a result of the failure, communication systems used by controllers in the Athens Flight Information Area (FIR) stopped working. The problem concerns key radio frequencies, without which it is impossible to coordinate takeoffs and landings.
“The first step was to suspend all departures,” says Panagiotis Psaros, president of the Hellenic Association of Air Traffic Controllers, in an interview with the Kathimerini website. “At the same time, work is underway to manage planes already in the air so that they can land safely,” he adds. It also informs that flights are being redirected to neighboring countries.
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Why have all flights in Greece been canceled?
What caused the airport problems in Greece?
What impact do these problems have at Athens International Airport?
Until when will Greek airspace be closed?
The cause of the failure is unknown. Flight cancellations led to chaos at airports
According to Greek media, the effects of the problems are felt most at Athens International Airport. Thousands of travelers are waiting for flights there. “Huge queues are forming, passengers are stuck,” reports the Greek City Times website. He describes the capital's airport as “in chaos.”
According to information provided by Reuters, Greek airspace was to be closed until 4 p.m., but from noon some flights are restored. However, it is not known when the system will return to full operation, says Kathimerini.
The cause of the failure is not yet known. The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) is investigating the matter.
