Air traffic came to a standstill in Greece due to radio frequency interference. The Civil Aviation Authority said that on Sunday (January 4), arrivals and departures at many airports across the country were temporarily stopped, due to which passengers had to face a lot of problems.

According to Greece’s state television and civil aviation authority, the disruption was caused by a technical problem related to radio frequencies. However, the exact cause of the problem is not yet known. As soon as the problem was detected, take-off and landing at airports across the country were stopped in view of security.

Restrictions on operations at airports

Some international flights only passing through Greek airspace were allowed to operate on a limited basis. The Civil Aviation Authority said some flights falling within the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) were being controlled, but restrictions on operations at airports remained in place.

Investigation into radio frequency problem continues

Officials said the investigation into the radio frequency problem is ongoing, and flight operations will continue cautiously until full safety is ensured. Arrivals and departures at airports across the country were suspended from 9:00 a.m. local time (0700 GMT), according to the country’s aviation authority. Several Yakshi remained stranded at Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, while flight-tracking data confirmed that Greek airspace was largely empty. Many flights were being diverted towards neighboring countries.

Greek City Times said on social media ‘Security checks closed from 9am! Due to the ongoing radio frequency disruption in Greek airspace (starting on the morning of January 4, 2026), no flights are possible throughout the country. Security checks and departures at Athens International Airport have been halted since approximately 9am.

🚨 UPDATE: Athens Airport in Total Chaos Security Check-In Closed Since 9 AM! 🚫✈️ Due to the ongoing radio frequency failure in Greek airspace (started early January 4, 2026), NO takeoffs possible nationwide. Security check-in & departures halted at Athens International since pic.twitter.com/dAJG7p6mDE

— Greek City Times (@greekcitytimes) January 4, 2026

passengers stranded at airport

The post further says, ‘Long queues are forming, passengers are stranded. Where possible, manual landing is being done on arrival, but there are diversions/delays on many routes. All airports in Greece are affected. Athens airport is almost closed. The Civil Aviation Authority is expediting the repair work, but no estimated time has been given yet. Officials are working to restore normal operations, but passengers are being advised to contact airlines for flight information.