[InTime News]
Greece’s Civil Aviation Authority (YPA) faced backlash after scheduling system checks at Athens International Airport’s approach systems during peak hours on June 10-11, triggering significant flight delays.
The checks, conducted between 3 and 6 pm, caused departure and arrival delays exceeding an hour in some cases, critics said.
Sources said the inspections are conducted twice yearly to verify aircraft approach and navigation radio aids. Greece’s only aircraft for that was unavailable due to a delayed spare part, prompting use of a Dassault Falcon 2000 belonging to Bulgaria’s Civil Aviation Authority to avoid delaying recertification.
Air traffic controllers said in a statement the disruption “would have been avoided if YPA’s management had fulfilled its obligations properly and on time.”
