The incident involving the prolonged blackout at the Athens FIR last Sunday, which is still being investigated to determine why and how it occurred, is causing concern, with the issue of the need for aviation infrastructure projects now being raised with greater urgency. At the institutional level, our country has been facing official European legislation violation procedures for some time, both regarding Data Links and Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) procedures.
According to sources, last spring, just weeks after the cabinet reshuffle and change of political leadership at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the responsible minister, Christos Dimas, in collaboration with senior staff from the Civil Aviation Service and the Civil Aviation Authority, visited Brussels. There, with the contribution of Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas, all involved bodies met: the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE), the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL), and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
The goal was clear: to put pending issues on track for resolution under European supervision. This process gave birth to the Action Plan, a “roadmap” of 364 actions with specific timelines and progress controls.
The CAA was transformed into a Public Law Legal Entity last October and thus acquired financial and administrative autonomy
Its implementation began in summer 2025 and is expected to be completed by 2028, aiming to address delays and harmonize Greece with the highest European standards while creating a modern, reliable aviation architecture. The first milestone was institutional: The CAA was transformed into a Public Law Legal Entity last October and thus acquired financial and administrative autonomy, which significantly helped restart projects that had stagnated for years, while staffing of the new entity proceeded rapidly.
Projects being launched for aviation modernization
At the technical level, five projects are being launched for aviation modernization within an integrated planning framework, which we present in detail today:
1) Development of Data Link Services (DLS): These are technological systems that include software, hardware, and procedures enabling secure digital information exchange between aircraft and air traffic controllers. They integrate with other systems such as radar, Voice Communication Systems (VCS), and flight control platforms (e.g., DPS) to ensure comprehensive air traffic management. The project includes procurement, installation, and activation of DLS infrastructure, as well as integration with existing and upgraded systems like the Voice Communication System (VCS) and the future TopSky ATC One platform (DPS), regulatory coordination with the CAA, and technical interconnection agreements with neighboring countries.
Contract 03/2019 for the VCS System had been blocked by a negative decision from the Court of Audit, but the CAA filed an appeal, with the decision expected within January. In case of a positive outcome, modifications and restart of work will begin immediately to fully connect with the new TopSky ATC One control system, which is scheduled for completion by November 2028.
2) Voice Communication & Recording System (VCRS) for the needs of the Athens and Macedonia Area Control Centers (KEPATHM) of the Greek Airspace (FIR/UIR): Modern digital circuits will be installed in place of analog circuits (one-to-one replacement). Modern VCRS systems feature high-availability architecture with multiple redundancy levels, ensuring uninterrupted communication operation even in case of technical failure. Full harmonization with European standards is also ensured, making Greece an equal partner in the Single European Sky.
3) Upgrade of the central Air Traffic Management System (ATM)/DPS Upgrade (TopSky ATC One): This involves modernizing the central air traffic management (ATM) system. The upgraded system, as relevant sources note, is one of the most advanced in the world, TopSky ATC One.
It includes complete redesign and updating of the existing ATM system architecture (PALLAS 3G) and specifications, as well as technical design, procurement, legal approvals, hardware installation, system configuration, safety assessments and training, plus integration of the new system with systems such as the Voice Communication System (VCS) and the DLS platform.
4) Comprehensive Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) implementation: This project achieves modernization of Greek airspace with more efficient and environmentally friendly flight methods, using modern approaches (RNP) and redesigning areas around airports (TMAs). It includes design, testing, practical implementation, and training for personnel at 31 airports. The updated PBN Transition Plan proceeds with the goal of completion by the end of 2026.
5) Installation of new radars with Mode S capability and updated specifications: This involves upgrading seven radars and procuring eight new modern radar surveillance systems with specifications fully harmonized with the current regulatory framework. The new tender for eight Mode S radar systems was published on December 1, 2025, with a deadline of January 31, 2026.
Published in Parapolitika
