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Radar Malfunction at Athens Airport Resolved

Published February 19, 2026, 14:08
Radar Malfunction at Athens Airport Resolved

A radar malfunction at Athens International Airport, caused by a surveillance system failure, has been resolved after approximately two hours. The disruption led to flight delays, with a reduced number of arrivals and departures. Air traffic controllers reported the issue originated with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) radar in the Merenda area, East Attica. They highlighted the CAA's failure to replace a critical spare part, despite warnings since May 2024, and the airport operating with only one radar instead of the required three. A previous incident of complete communication loss in January 2026 was also mentioned, with no updates on the cause provided. The CAA is criticized for a lack of preparedness and seeking donations for a communication system, while the cost of the new radar system has significantly increased. The situation exposes the CAA's management and responsible directors, as the problem has recurred.