Greece has taken the dramatic step of closing its national airspace and suspending all commercial flights following the emergence of a serious but unspecified issue affecting radio frequencies.
Nationwide Aviation Shutdown
The unprecedented shutdown began at 9am local time (7am GMT) on January 4, 2026, with authorities grounding all arrivals and departures across the country for critical safety reasons. The decision, described as precautionary, has left Greece's skies virtually empty, as shown by live flight tracking data.
Chaos at Airports and Diverted Flights
The closure has caused immediate disruption at major travel hubs. Athens's Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport has become packed with stranded passengers unable to board their aircraft. Meanwhile, flights already in the air and destined for Greece have been forced to divert to airports in neighbouring nations, according to reports from the state broadcaster, ERT.
Authorities have confirmed that an investigation into the root cause of the radio frequency problem is now a top priority. The exact nature of the technical fault remains unclear, leading to widespread speculation and concern within the aviation industry.
Ongoing Impact and Response
This major aviation incident represents a significant blow to both travel and tourism in the region. With no immediate timeline for a resumption of services, airlines and passengers face continued uncertainty. The situation is developing, and further updates are expected as officials work to diagnose and resolve the critical communications failure that has paralysed Greek air travel.
