The partial restoration of the Athens FIR begins, and some first landings and departures are already starting. The flight schedule will not be executed immediately, but gradually. At the same time, the investigation by the technical contractor of the system and the National Telecommunications Commission continues to fully resolve the problem that caused a blackout in Greek airspace.
With the data so far at Athens airport:
• 8 planes that were about to leave were finally unable to take off and returned to parking spaces.
• 3 planes that were going to land in Athens were forced to go to other airports, because there was no possibility to land here.
• 4 flights were completely cancelled.
• A total of 75 flights were delayed, mainly because they were given a specific take-off time by air traffic control.
To decongest the situation:
• Flights to the north, east and south were allowed,
• every 4 minutes, regardless of the size or type of aircraft.
The affected flights and the expected delay
Domestic flights and those scheduled from abroad during the day are affected by the major issue that has been created in the last few hours with the problems in radio frequencies, resulting in the grounding of aircraft at Greek airports from this morning.
Holiday excursionists at major airports abroad should be prepared today for long delays in their return, given that even if an aircraft takes off - with a long delay - it will take time to go to the destination abroad so that it can then depart for its return. It is pointed out here that especially this year and due to the agricultural mobilizations, the number of Greeks who travelled by air even with last-minute reservations inside and outside Greece was increased.
Now and given that today is a very dense day in terms of arrivals, information from the airlines indicated that efforts are being made at the operational level, which are mainly focused on rescheduling flights during the day. However, the fact that departures from Greek airports, Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, etc., are not possible, has an impact on both domestic and off-country flights scheduled during the day from foreign airports for the return of excursionists. The task of reprogramming becomes even more difficult since there is still no exact update to fix the problem.
For its part, the Civil Aviation Authority states in its announcement a while ago that "some frequencies that serve the needs of the Athens FIR are facing a problem which is being investigated together with competent external bodies. In order to maintain the absolute safety of flights, only part of the overflights are served, and restrictions have been placed at Greek airports. For this purpose, a relevant NOTAM has already been issued. The matter is under investigation and there will be new announcements."
It is noted here that especially today, Sunday, is one of those with the highest passenger traffic of the holidays, especially at the airports of the two largest urban centers of the country in Athens and Thessaloniki, given that many excursionists return from abroad due to the expiration of licenses.
Flights to and from Cyprus are affected due to a technical problem in the Athens FIR
The problem in the Athens FIR, due to a technical issue, also affects flights to and from Cyprus, according to information from KYPE from Hermes Airports, the management company of Cypriot airports.
As far as Larnaca Airport is concerned, three flights are currently affected. Specifically, two departures (Aegean and Sky) and one arrival (Aegean). As reported to KYPE, the number of passengers on these flights affected amounts to about 500 people.
As for Paphos airport, there is a scheduled flight to Athens in the afternoon at 16:20 (Ryanair) which is expected to be affected if the technical problem that exists is not resolved.
As for other flights that would pass over Greek airspace to Cyprus, as told KYPE, the airlines are in the process of changing flight plans to fly the aircraft following a different route and avoiding the Athens FIR. Passengers are invited to follow the announcements of the airlines.
Recommendations from the Ministry of Transport
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works informs about the temporary closure of the airspace of Greece due to a technical problem in radio frequencies. Due to this, affecting all flights to and from Greek airports, as well as flights flying over the Athens FIR. To avoid inconvenience, affected passengers are encouraged to contact the airlines for further information before going to the airports.
