Written reports from pilots warning of accident risks in Greek airspace, letters to the Ministry of Transport citing “insufficient staffing in positions of responsibility, filled by people who obtained them through connections or direct assignments,” and “lack of accountability in the service,” as well as complaints about outdated communications systems, are all in the hands of To Vima.
Regarding last week’s collapse of the communications system and the blackout in Athens airspace, the “noise” heard on the channels, and the failure to activate the airport’s backup system, the Cybercrime Division has already taken statements from four to five air traffic controllers.
Additionally, it is examining the electronic log files of the communications system to identify the source of the malfunction, having ruled out deliberate interference or a cyberattack. The main question troubling investigators is why the backup system did not operate during the incident, preventing a communications blackout.
Known since 2021
This is not the first occurrence of such a problem with the communications system. In December 2021, the Athens and Macedonia Area Control Center (KEPATHM) went offline, and air traffic controllers had already noted that the systems were outdated, with even the backup systems facing problems.
A smaller-scale malfunction occurred a few months ago. At that time, controllers reported an incident on August 19, likely caused by a defective spare part, resulting in the loss of radar terminal coverage and backup frequencies for Athens Approach. This demonstrates that, as of last year, those responsible for the system had not procured a spare part known to require replacement.
Similar problems have occurred at regional airports across the country. Over the past two years, there have been complaints that “the Athens and Macedonia Area Control Center (KEPATHM) has only 160 active controllers when 280 are needed.” Currently, a process is underway to hire 97 additional controllers, but their training is not expected to be completed until 2027.
System repairs funded by employees
Representatives of the HCAA Air Traffic Security Electronics Union have spoken of “constant funding problems,” forcing them to “carry out electronic system repairs out of their own pockets.” They noted that in 2022, there were problems during bad weather with the Instrument Landing System (ILS) at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos.”
A recent interview with an air traffic controller at “Eleftherios Venizelos” in To Vima highlighted the fear of accidents: “It is enormous, because our technical equipment is ancient. Athens’ radar system was installed in 1999. The lifespan of such a system is 10 years with two upgrades. Here, we are using it for 25 years. There are no spare parts; we pay EU fines for deficiencies, and we are constantly asked to ‘accelerate’ for tourism. It’s like having a 25-year-old car without service and being told to race it. The most dangerous part is knowing that many things can go wrong before the shift even starts. We haven’t yet had an air traffic ‘Tempi’ incident only because modern airplanes themselves have the technology to prevent me, with my outdated systems, from being the last line of defense. It’s an automated collision avoidance system.”
“Improper behavior” for doing his job
Records from this collision avoidance system are telling. In March 2025, an inspector from the Civil Aviation Authority submitted a report about the risks of dangerous approaches of airplanes near helicopters taking off from nearby helipads.
In the inspector’s report (he was later accused of “improper behavior” by his service), it was documented, with attached evidence, that: “From 2022 until today, 250 incidents have been officially recorded where the TCAS system (collision avoidance) was activated, and involved aircraft executed avoidance maneuvers. At Athens International Airport ‘Eleftherios Venizelos,’ 54 TCAS incidents were reported by pilots in the surrounding area.”
Additionally, a three-page report by the National Organization for the Investigation of Aviation and Railway Accidents and Transport Safety (HARSIA), dated November 14, 2025, which considered the inspector’s findings, stated that the situation “puts flight safety in the final approach at ‘Eleftherios Venizelos’ at extreme risk.”
Among other issues, the report cites intersections of descending aircraft tracks with helicopters taking off on unsegregated paths, helicopters crossing directly in front of aircraft at very close distances, and the creation of dangerous air vortices that could trap helicopters, causing loss of lift. Reports also mention helicopters crossing over residential areas below 1,000 feet (≈300 meters).
Earlier this year, inspectors submitted written reports to HCAA and the Ministry of Transport regarding “serious incidents that require investigation and indicate insufficient implementation of safety measures.” The reports also cite “insufficient staffing in positions of responsibility, filled by people who obtained them through connections and direct assignments without the necessary formal or practical qualifications. Lack of accountability and responsibility within the service, which often operates to favor personal interests rather than safety and proper functioning. Absence of technical studies on critical aviation matters. Need for transparency, meritocracy, technical expertise, and training of senior personnel involved in the operation and control of air traffic.”
