Thousands of passengers face delays of up to an hour at Athens International Airport on Wednesday and Thursday as authorities conduct mandatory checks on the airport’s precision landing systems.
The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority is carrying out airborne inspections of radar and navigation equipment using specialized calibration aircraft between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. local time on both days.
The testing has forced temporary limits on hourly takeoffs and landings, creating knock-on delays for afternoon and evening flights.
Airport sources said inbound and outbound services could be delayed by 45 to 60 minutes as controllers manage reduced traffic flow.
The disruption comes during one of the busiest travel periods of the early summer season, with Greece’s main airport already seeing heavier traffic.
Aegean Airlines and other carriers have urged passengers to check live flight information before heading to the terminal.
Aviation officials said the calibration is required under international safety rules to ensure the landing systems are functioning properly ahead of the peak summer season, when passenger volumes are expected to rise sharply.
The checks are routine but essential, ensuring that the airport’s precision approach equipment remains accurate and fully operational for safe aircraft landings.