Jan 5, 2026, 10:55 amJan 5, 2026, 10:55 am
The day after the serious technical disruption that paralyzed all Greek airspace for hours, the country’s airports are largely back to normal operations.
Technical problems caused passengers to wait in Greece.Image: keystone
Passengers still have to endure hardships. Because many flights were canceled on Sunday, the number of passengers at Athens’ Eleftherios Venizelos Airport is enormous, as the news channel ERTNews reported.
Meanwhile, the search for the cause of the defect is ongoing. The focus is on a radio mast near Athens, the failure of which is said to have meant that Greek air traffic controllers throughout the country were suddenly unable to communicate with each other or with the pilots. All flights to Greece and through Greek airspace were then diverted. A cyber attack or sabotage has already been ruled out; it is said to be a technical defect.
Systems should be modernized
Greek Transport Minister Christos Dimas told broadcaster ERTNews that there was never any danger to flight safety. The causes would be investigated and responsibilities would be clarified to prevent the problem from recurring. “Yes, heads will roll,” he said.
The system that caused the disruption is outdated. Image: keystone
Regarding the air traffic controllers’ association’s criticism that the systems are completely outdated, he explained: “We have older systems, but they meet European standards.” However, a concrete action and modernization plan has already been agreed with the EU Commission, which should be implemented by 2028.
Right to compensation
Both passengers and airlines are entitled to compensation for flight cancellations and delays, the minister said. He did not comment on the exact process of such compensation; Greek consumer advocates advise affected passengers to contact their airlines. (sda/dpa)
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