A probe into the partial shutdown of flights across Greece on January 4 has found the incident was caused by outdated aviation communication systems, not cyber attacks or external interference.
The Infrastructure and Transport Ministry said the civil aviation authority’s voice and telecom systems “are based on outdated technology that is no longer supported by the manufacturer” and cannot guarantee reliable operation.
The report recommended upgrading to Voice over IP technology, installing a new radio and voice communication system, and adding nearly 500 new transceivers, as well as creating a joint response mechanism between the aviation authority and telecom providers.
Officials said a loss of synchronisation, described as “digital noise,” caused a critical number of beacons to malfunction at the Athens and Macedonia regional control centres, grounding planes and affecting schedules until systems were restored around 5 pm.
The ministry emphasised the incident posed no direct threat to aviation security, and aircraft already in the air were not impacted.
Source: Ekathimerini.