Athens FIR blackout caused by ‘Digital Noise,’ officials say

According to an expert report submitted to Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Dimas, the disruption stemmed from incompatibilities across multiple systems and interfaces connected to the Athens–Macedonia Area Control Centre. The issue led to the unintended activation of multiple transmitters and the degradation of critical telecommunications links.

The report found no evidence of a cyberattack or external interference.

Air traffic restrictions were imposed for safety reasons, with emergency procedures activated, the Transport Ministry said. Traffic was gradually restored after rerouting through the backbone network, with full operations resuming at 16:53 local time following voluntary action by the telecommunications provider.