A baffling and persistent radio interference incident on Sunday morning precipitated a significant shutdown of Greek airspace, causing widespread flight disruptions. The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) described the event as "unprecedented," with "massive and persistent" electronic noise effectively severing vital communication lines for air traffic controllers. This unforeseen anomaly necessitated immediate emergency measures to investigate the interference and ensure the safety of all airborne operations. The disruption, which commenced at 08:59 local time, cast a shadow over what is typically a busy return day for travellers during the holiday season.
The source of the involuntary electronic "noise" that drowned out operational frequencies remained elusive for much of the day, initially attributed to a technical problem. The Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) was particularly affected, with air traffic capacity drastically curtailed to mitigate potential risks. Airlines, faced with the inability to maintain standard communication protocols, were compelled to reroute flights, bypassing Greek airspace entirely. This rerouting strategy, whilst prioritising safety, resulted in extended flight paths and substantial delays for numerous international journeys.
In response to the critical situation, a specially equipped aircraft, manned by electronics experts, was dispatched to conduct an airborne investigation into the interference's origins. Concurrently, technical teams were mobilised to inspect hardware at remote transmitter sites scattered across Greece. The severity of the communication breakdown led to a drastic reduction in air traffic capacity, initially restricting operations to a mere 35 aircraft per hour. Departures were meticulously managed, with intervals of four minutes enforced between each aircraft.
The impact on air travel was immediate and profound. At Athens International Airport alone, eight departing aircraft were forced to return to their stands, whilst three inbound flights were diverted to other European destinations. At least 75 flights experienced significant delays at the capital's hub. The repercussions extended to Cyprus, where Hermes Airports reported that approximately 500 passengers at Larnaca were affected by cancellations or delays. The cascading effect of the disruption was palpable, with Greek-based aircraft grounded, leading to a "domino effect" that prolonged international returns well into the night.
Despite the considerable operational challenges and the anxiety it undoubtedly caused, Greece's Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Christos Dimas, assured the public that flight safety had not been compromised throughout the incident. Limited services were gradually reinstated through the utilisation of backup frequencies, a critical step towards restoring normalcy. By 16:00 local time, air traffic capacity had been demonstrably increased, and air traffic began to resume progressively. While the immediate crisis appears to have been resolved, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of modern air traffic control systems. The investigation into the precise cause of the unprecedented radio interference is expected to continue.