Overview
- Most aviation radio channels serving the Athens FIR were overwhelmed by continuous, involuntary “noise” at 08:59 local on January 4, prompting a nationwide halt to departures, tight arrival limits and widespread diversions.
- Operations resumed progressively the same day via backup frequencies, with about 45 departures per hour by late afternoon; the HCAA reported full restoration from 17:00–17:45 local.
- The Athens Misdemeanor Prosecutor ordered an urgent preliminary inquiry assigned to the Hellenic Police Cyber Crime Unit, while the transport ministry launched an administrative investigation to assign responsibility.
- The HCAA said checks are underway across relay stations and via a frequency-spectrum test flight, working with telecom operator OTE and regulator EETT to document the incident and prevent recurrences.
- Air traffic controllers blamed outdated systems and years of underinvestment for magnifying the impact, as officials pointed to an ongoing air-navigation modernization plan and stressed EU passenger-rights obligations during the disruption.