Greek Airspace Closure Triggers Major Flight Disruption Across Europe

The shutdown followed a collapse in radio frequency systems at air traffic control centres in Athens and northern Greece, making communication with aircraft impossible. Association of Greek Air Traffic Controllers said all frequencies were lost, forcing authorities to suspend flights nationwide while the issue was investigated.

Hundreds of flights to, from and within Greece were affected, with airlines including Aegean Airlines, British Airways and Ryanair cancelling or delaying services. Thousands of passengers were stranded at airports, while some aircraft were diverted to neighbouring countries such as Italy and Albania.

Athens International Airport, one of Europe’s busiest hubs, saw arrivals and departures temporarily halted, adding to the disruption during a busy travel period.

Greek aviation authorities said efforts are under way to restore the system, with flights gradually resuming as capacity allows. Passengers affected by cancellations are entitled to assistance and rebooking under EU air passenger rights rules, although officials warned that delays could continue until full operations are restored.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Swiss police have confirmed the identities of 16 additional victims killed in the deadly fire at a bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana. Authorities said the youngest was a 14-year-old Swiss girl, with nine of those identified under the age of 18.