Main
News
Society
Technical failure paralyses air traffic in Greece

Technical failure paralyses air traffic in Greece

Artur Romanchenko Journalist

04 January 2026, 16:30

Technical failure paralyses air traffic in Greece — Passengers at one of the airport terminals in Thessaloniki Photo by Sakis Mitrolidis AFP Getty Images

On 4 January, departures and landings at Greek airports were suspended due to problems with radio frequencies. Flights were diverted to other countries, and the airspace was almost empty.

Air traffic in Greece was almost completely shut down on 4 January due to a serious technical failure in the radio frequency system. According to state media and civil aviation authorities, the country's airports suspended departures and landings from 09:00 local time.

The airports were suspended amid an investigation into the causes of the failure. Passenger crowds formed in the terminals, particularly at Athens' Eleftherios Venizelos airport. Flights to Greece were redirected to neighbouring countries.

Representatives of Israeli airport authorities said that Greek airspace would remain closed until at least 16:00 local time. Data from flight tracking services indicate that the skies over Greece were virtually empty throughout the day.

Photo: DW.

Emergency events

Society

More

In Ukraine, the death rate is four times higher than the birth rate

In Ukraine, the death rate is four times higher than the birth rate

In the first six months of 2026, 73,292 children were born in Ukraine, whilst 259,853 people died. The death rate is therefore almost four times higher than the birth rate.

5G is now available in central Kyiv: how to get connected

5G is now available in central Kyiv: how to get connected

Large-scale testing of fifth-generation mobile networks has begun in Kyiv. Owners of compatible smartphones can use 5G, although coverage depends on the network operator and the specific area of the city.

The SAP is looking for a communications officer: up to 165 euros a day on offer

The SAP is looking for a communications officer: up to 165 euros a day on offer

The Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) has announced that it is seeking a communications expert. The vacancy has been advertised as part of an international technical assistance project aimed at strengthening the capacity of anti-corruption bodies in Ukraine.

Weather in Ukraine on 22 July: where to expect heavy rain, hail and squalls

Weather in Ukraine on 22 July: where to expect heavy rain, hail and squalls

On Wednesday, 22 July, dry weather will prevail across most of Ukraine, although some regions will see rain and thunderstorms. The most challenging weather conditions are forecast for the Odesa region.

In Ukraine, fines will be imposed for using the terms ‘eco’ and ‘organic’ without certification

In Ukraine, fines will be imposed for using the terms ‘eco’ and ‘organic’ without certification

In Ukraine, it will be prohibited to label uncertified products as ‘organic’, ‘eco-friendly’ or ‘biological’. Companies found to be using the prefixes ‘eco-’ and ‘bio-’ unlawfully will face fines of up to 24 times the minimum wage.

Events

More

An unusual toilet seat competition was held in Russia

An unusual toilet seat competition was held in Russia

In Stavropol, Russia, a sanitaryware manufacturer ran a promotional campaign that caused quite a stir on social media. Visitors to one of the shopping centres were invited to drink a soft drink from the new toilet bowls, and then take part in another unusual challenge

Russia has lost 75 per cent of the capacity of the Kerch ferry crossing

Russia has lost 75 per cent of the capacity of the Kerch ferry crossing

Robert Brovdi (call sign ‘Madyar’), Commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Unmanned Systems Forces, stated that as a result of Operation ‘MoLoChKa’, which took place over a two-week period in July, Russia lost approximately 75 per cent of the Kerch ferry crossing’s capacity

In Greece, a driver rammed his car into the entrance to a military base

In Greece, a driver rammed his car into the entrance to a military base

In the town of Argos-Orestiko in northern Greece, a 52-year-old man was arrested after he drove his car into the main entrance to a military base. According to preliminary reports, the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

The President of Hungary has signed a law providing for his resignation

The President of Hungary has signed a law providing for his resignation

The President of Hungary, Tamás Szujók, has signed a constitutional amendment providing for the early termination of his term of office. The document marked the final stage of a political process that had lasted several months following an initiative by Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s government

The editor-in-chief of *Fakty* has reported that his daughter was attacked in the centre of Kyiv

The editor-in-chief of Fakty has reported that his daughter was attacked in the centre of Kyiv

Oleksandr Shvets, editor-in-chief of the publication *Fakty*, has stated that his eldest daughter was assaulted at a public transport stop in the centre of Kyiv. According to him, the incident took place a few days ago on Lesya Ukrainka Boulevard