Greece’s airspace closure raises questions about potential flight disruptions, prompting travellers in the UAE and GCC to assess possible delays, rerouting, or schedule changes affecting regional and international air travel.
Flights halted nationwide at Greek airports following radio communication problems
Air travel across Greece was brought to a temporary standstill on Sunday after technical problems disrupted radio communication systems, according to reports from state media and the country’s aviation authorities.
Officials said the issue was still under investigation, with safety restrictions imposed on airport operations nationwide. While some aircraft were able to transit through the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR), take-offs and landings at Greek airports were limited as a precaution, the civil aviation authority confirmed.
Flight-tracking data indicated that much of Greek airspace was largely clear of traffic during the disruption. State broadcaster ERT reported that all arrivals and departures were halted at around 9am local time (0700 GMT). Scenes from Athens International Airport showed departure halls filled with stranded passengers awaiting updates.
According to the broadcaster, several flights were rerouted to nearby countries as airlines sought alternative landing options. Meanwhile, Israel’s Airports Authority said Greek airspace was expected to remain closed until 4pm local time, warning passengers to anticipate delays affecting flights to and from Greece.
Passengers face widespread disruption
The sudden suspension of flights left thousands of travellers stranded at airports across Greece, with many scrambling for information and alternative travel arrangements. Passengers at major hubs such as Athens, Thessaloniki and Heraklion reported long waits and limited updates as airlines coordinated with authorities. Families, business travellers and tourists were seen queueing at service counters seeking rebooking options. Some travellers opted to delay trips altogether, while others were redirected through nearby European countries. Airlines advised passengers to remain at airports until official guidance was issued or to monitor airline apps for real-time updates.
Airlines activate emergency protocols
Airlines operating in and out of Greece quickly implemented contingency plans to manage the unexpected airspace disruption. These measures included holding aircraft on the ground, rerouting inbound flights and adjusting crew schedules to remain within safety regulations. Industry experts noted that while such protocols are standard during communication failures, restoring normal operations can take time even after systems are fixed. The knock-on effects could lead to congestion at surrounding airports as diverted flights accumulate, potentially causing further delays across regional networks in Europe and the Mediterranean.
Impact on tourism and peak travel
The disruption comes during a busy travel period, with Greece experiencing strong tourist flows even outside the peak summer season. Hotels, tour operators and cruise schedules may also feel the impact if delays persist, particularly for short-stay visitors. Travel industry representatives said even brief interruptions can create logistical challenges, including missed connections and rescheduled accommodation. While many travellers are insured against major disruptions, others may face unexpected costs. Tourism officials are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a swift resolution to minimise broader economic effects.
Safety remains the priority
Aviation authorities stressed that the decision to suspend airport operations was taken purely on safety grounds. Reliable radio communication is essential for coordinating aircraft movements, particularly during take-off and landing. Without full system functionality, authorities said restricting flights was the safest option. Experts noted that such shutdowns, while rare, demonstrate the aviation sector’s strict adherence to international safety standards. Once communication systems are fully restored and tested, airports are expected to gradually resume operations under close supervision to ensure passenger and crew safety.
Gradual recovery expected
Once the technical issue is resolved, airlines and airports are expected to resume services in stages rather than all at once. Priority will likely be given to flights already delayed, followed by scheduled departures and arrivals. Aviation analysts warned that residual delays could continue for several hours, or even into the following day, as networks rebalance. Passengers are encouraged to remain flexible, confirm travel plans before heading to airports, and follow official announcements. Authorities say further updates will be issued as investigations progress and operations normalise.
