Thessaloniki Airport Disruption: What Travelers Need to Know
In a shocking turn of events, thousands of travelers across Europe find themselves stranded due to a significant communications failure that led to the closure of Greece’s airspace. This article sheds light on the situation, the impact on travelers, and what is being done to resolve the issue.
Overview of the Incident
The disruption took place on Sunday morning when a breakdown in air traffic communication forced authorities to suspend all flight operations. While some departures have since been resumed, inbound flights are still facing diversions or returns to their original destinations. Thessaloniki Airport has been completely closed, making it one of the hardest hit locations.
Impact on Passengers
As a consequence of the chaos, many travelers are left worrying about their return plans, especially with the workweek approaching. One passenger at Athens International Airport expressed frustration about their missed flight, stating:
“I was supposed to fly to London, via Stockholm, with SAS. I’m working at Newport Hospital tomorrow morning, and I don’t know what else to say.”
Concerns are mounting regarding who will be responsible for additional costs incurred by this travel disruption. Over 90 flights have been impacted at Athens Airport, although some may still take off.
Flight Status
Currently, around 35 flights an hour are being permitted to depart, while inbound flights remain cancelled. Numerous services, including those from Dublin, Barcelona, and Paris, have been directed to return to their original airports, leaving many in limbo. Other flights arriving from Heraklion, Crete, have also faced delays.
Lack of Communication
Passengers are increasingly frustrated by the lack of information surrounding their flights. One traveler echoed a common sentiment, commenting on the absence of updates:
“They told us that we will be able to leave, but I don’t think this is true. I can’t see my flight on the departures board, and I’m supposed to be leaving soon.”
Another disappointed passenger shared their experience of a flight to Rhodes that turned back, expressing concerns over the complete lack of communication thereafter. For those traveling within Greece, rail options are available, but these alternatives require much more time to reach their destinations.
Technical Issues Identified
Initial investigations pointed to a potential failure of the radio communication system that air traffic controllers use. Panagiotis Psarros, chair of the Association of Greek Air Traffic Controllers, highlighted that all frequencies had been “suddenly lost,” leaving controllers unable to communicate with any airborne flights.
Reports suggest that the problem may have originated from a malfunctioning antenna in the Gerania Mountains near Athens. To address the crisis, Italy, Turkey, and Cyprus are currently assisting Greece in managing the situation effectively.
Conclusion
The unexpected communication failure has resulted in significant disturbances for travelers in Greece and beyond, yet efforts are underway to rectify the issues. As authorities continue to investigate and restore normalcy, travelers are advised to stay informed about their flight status.
Key Takeaways
- Thousands of travelers are stranded due to a communications failure leading to airspace closure in Greece.
- Thessaloniki Airport is completely shut down, while Athens Airport has seen significant disruptions.
- Passengers are expressing frustration over a lack of information regarding their flight statuses.
- Initial investigations indicate possible technical issues with air traffic communication systems.