What Happened?
On September 1, 2026, Ryanair issued an urgent appeal to the European Union following another failure of the air traffic control (ATC) system in Greece. This type of disruption falls under limitations to air traffic management capacity, causing delays, cancellations, and disruptions to departing and arriving flights at major Greek airports.
This is not the first such incident: technical problems in the Greek ATC systems already caused restrictions and disruptions during summer 2026, creating a critical situation for airlines and passengers.
Which Flights and Airports Are at Risk?
Although Ryanair did not specify the airports involved in the latest failure, it is known that the main Greek airports affected by similar issues include:
- Athens International Airport (ATH)
- Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG)
- Chania Airport (CHQ)
These airports are important hubs for Ryanair flights and other European carriers.
The main consequences for passengers may be:
- Extended delays
- Last-minute cancellations
- Restrictions on the number of flights operated
Ryanair and other low-cost and traditional airlines’ flights could be significantly impacted by these disruptions, affecting both domestic and international flights.
Passenger Rights According to EU Regulation 261
Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 protects air passengers in cases of cancellations, long delays, and denied boarding. However, disruptions caused by ATC system issues are typically considered extraordinary circumstances, outside the airline’s direct control.
What does this mean in practice?
- Monetary compensation: in extraordinary events like ATC failures, airlines are not obliged to pay financial compensation.
- Assistance: passengers still have the right to receive assistance such as meals, refreshments, access to communications, and in some cases accommodation, depending on the length of the delay.
- Re-routing or refund: in case of cancellation or long delay, passengers can choose between:
- Re-routing to the final destination at the earliest opportunity
- Full ticket refund
Practical Tips for Travelers
If you have a Ryanair flight to or from Greece these days, here is what to do:
- Check your flight status: use Ryanair’s official channels or visit our /check/ page for up-to-date information.
- Arrive at the airport early: checks and disruptions could lengthen boarding times.
- Have a Plan B: consider alternative travel options, like changing dates or nearby airports.
- Stay calm and ask for assistance: Ryanair counters and airport services must provide assistance according to EU Regulation 261.
- Keep receipts: if you incur extra expenses due to delays, keep documentation for possible reimbursement.
What Is Ryanair Doing and What Do Passengers Expect?
Ryanair has called for urgent intervention from European and Greek authorities to improve the reliability of the ATC system and ensure greater traffic management capacity.
Meanwhile, the company urges passengers to stay informed about flight conditions and to prepare for possible changes.
Sources
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