Thessaloniki, Greece — Thousands of travelers across Europe are facing delays and cancellations as a significant communication failure led to the closure of Greek airspace on Sunday. The disruption, which has left many passengers stranded, has raised concerns about their ability to return home in time for the upcoming workweek.

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of the communications breakdown that halted all air traffic in and out of Greece. While some flights have started to resume departing from local airports, arrivals remain largely restricted, leading to further complications. Both Athens International and Thessaloniki airports have reported severe interruptions, with Athens being notably affected.

Reports indicate that over 90 flights were impacted by the disruptions, prompting many aircraft to either return to their points of origin or be redirected elsewhere. Inbound traffic to Athens has been particularly challenging, with most flights being rerouted to Turkey or canceled altogether. Departures from cities such as Dublin, Barcelona, and Paris were halted, further complicating travel plans for holidaymakers and commuters alike.

Travelers at Athens International Airport expressed frustration and anxiety due to the lack of information provided by airline staff. One passenger heading to London shared her uncertainty, stating she was due at work the next morning and worried about her delayed travel plans. Numerous others echoed similar concerns, with many feeling left in the dark about their flight statuses and potential compensation for added expenses.

In addition to the delays at major airports, domestic travel is also impacted, with many passengers on flights to various Greek islands facing delays and cancellations. The disruptions are particularly troublesome during a busy travel period, as vacationers return from winter trips, which typically sees around 600 scheduled flights daily.

Experts suggest that the root of the issue lies in a failure of the radio communication systems used by air traffic controllers to coordinate aircraft. Panagiotis Psarros, chairman of the Association of Greek Air Traffic Controllers, noted that all communication frequencies were unexpectedly lost, significantly hindering operations. Initial investigations hinted at a possible malfunction in an antenna located in the Gerania Mountains near Athens.

To alleviate the situation, Greece is receiving assistance from neighboring countries, including Italy, Turkey, and Cyprus, which are helping manage the air traffic fallout. The urgency of restoring communication is paramount, as travelers and airlines alike await clarity on when regular operations can resume.

As investigations proceed and the situation evolves, passengers remain hopeful for timely updates from the authorities to regain a sense of normalcy in air travel over Greece.