Greece Establishes Crisis Team After Athens FIR Blackout; New Systems Ordered.
Key Points
- 1A crisis management team, comprising officials from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and OTE, was established following a major system failure on January 4, 2026.
- 2The incident caused a half-day 'blackout' in the Athens FIR, grounding flights nationwide due to a radio frequency system failure.
- 3The failure was attributed to 'digital noise' and outdated technology (SDH) in the Voice Communication System, not a cyberattack.
- 4The team's mandate includes implementing recommendations and overseeing the installation of 495 new VHF VoIP transceivers with voice recording capabilities.
The Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has established a new aviation crisis management team. This action follows a wide-ranging meeting convened by Minister Christos Dimas. The team includes senior officials from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and OTE. OTE is Greece's primary telecommunications utility.
Response to Airspace Blackout
The team's formation directly addresses the serious incident on January 4. That day, the entire Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) experienced a system failure. This catastrophic radio frequency failure grounded all takeoffs nationwide. Flights were suspended, and many were diverted to neighboring countries. Chaos ensued at all Greek airports, including Athens International Airport.
An Investigation Committee was quickly formed to determine the cause. The committee ruled out any cyberattack or external interference. Instead, the failure was attributed to "digital noise." This noise resulted from a desynchronization in heterogeneous devices.
Outdated Technology Identified
The core problem was an outdated Voice Communication System (VCS). This critical infrastructure uses technology no longer supported by the manufacturer. Greek telecommunications provider OTE had warned the CAA since 2019. Warnings were issued about the need for new system circuits. Despite the disruption, the incident was classified as low risk for flight safety. Pilots and air traffic controllers responded effectively.
Mandate and Modernization Plan
The new crisis team's mandate is to implement the committee's recommendations. The goal is to strengthen oversight and enhance technical response speed. A key recommendation is the creation of a permanent joint CAA-OTE mechanism.
Modernization is now being fast-tracked. This includes a transition to Voice over IP (VoIP) technology. The CAA is procuring new transceivers equipped with voice recording systems. The contract, signed in October 2025, covers 495 new VHF VoIP transceivers. First deliveries of this essential equipment are expected in early 2026.
System resilience is a major focus for the national air navigation service provider. The government is implementing a holistic upgrade plan for air navigation systems. This effort is coordinated with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). EUROCONTROL will act as a technical adviser in this modernization. Full completion of the entire upgrade is currently anticipated by 2028.
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Ujjwal SukhwaniAviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
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