Overview
- The disruption began at 08:59 local time on January 4 when most aviation radio channels in the Athens FIR were hit by a continuous, involuntary emission that blocked communications.
- Departures were suspended nationwide and arrivals heavily restricted, leaving Greek airspace largely empty as dozens of flights were cancelled or diverted to countries including Italy, Turkey and Cyprus.
- Limited operations resumed by Sunday afternoon via backup frequencies, with officials reporting about 45 departures per hour and a gradual rebuild of capacity.
- Transport Minister Christos Dimas said flight safety was not compromised and that a cyberattack does not currently appear likely, as the HCAA lifted its NOTAM by early evening and continued spectrum checks with technical partners.
- Athens prosecutors launched a preliminary judicial investigation led by the police electronic-crime unit into possible dangerous interference, while controllers and unions highlighted aging equipment and ongoing plans to modernize air-navigation systems by 2028.