The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport released a seven-point text concerning the major problem that emerged yesterday in Greece’s air navigation systems.

The document technically outlines both the progress made and the major shortcomings of an extensive Action Plan for Air Traffic Management. It includes 364 actions, a timeline extending to 2028, and continuous oversight by European institutions, but it is also marked by many references to what “will” happen in the future.

The seven points outline an overall modernization effort covering Data Link systems, TopSky ATC One, Performance-Based Navigation (PBN), Mode S radar, and the institutional transformation of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA). These are interventions that clearly should have been implemented years ago and are now attempting to make up for lost ground, under pressure from yesterday’s blackout, repeated deadline violations, and ongoing legal disputes.

Despite the technical analysis, the seven points reveal a long-standing structural weakness of public administration: a preference for planning over timely implementation. It is no coincidence that the text contains numerous “wills,” reflecting a reality in which critical infrastructure remains stuck in stages of waiting, negotiation, or judicial review. In a sector where technological lag translates directly into risks and losses, time is not a neutral factor.

Finally, it is noted that Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas has already informed Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis about the progress and outstanding issues of the plan, adding political weight—and increased responsibility. Success will not be judged by progress reports, but by the timely delivery of functional, modern, and safe infrastructure.

Below is the seven-point text as officially announced:

The Seven Key Points of the Action Plan – Questions and Answers by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport

“Action Plan for Infringements and Compliance with EU Law in the Field of Air Traffic Management (ATM)” – Implementation Progress

1. Q: What is the Air Traffic Management (ATM) Action Plan?

A:
The Action Plan for Compliance with EU Law in the field of Air Traffic Management (ATM), implemented at the initiative of Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas, constitutes a critical strategic and regulatory intervention for Greece. It responds to formal infringement procedures while simultaneously serving as a roadmap for modernizing air traffic systems, upgrading key infrastructure, and strengthening institutional capacity.

2. Q: What is the structure and timeline of the Plan, and what progress has been made in coordination and monitoring?

A:
The Plan includes 364 actions, organized into seven distinct pillars, with specific milestones and a monitoring mechanism. A progress report is submitted to the European Commission every six weeks. To date, the 5th Progress Report was submitted on December 31.

Implementation began in June 2025 and is scheduled for completion in December 2028. The Plan was designed in coordination with DG MOVE, EASA, and EUROCONTROL.

3. Q: What progress has been made in the development of Data Link services?

A:
Implementation has accelerated through parallel works at three remote sites (Merenta, Moustakos, Akarnanika), as well as in the equipment room of the Athens and Macedonia Area Control Center (KEPAM), where works are at an advanced stage. Work has also begun in Lemnos and Mare.

Regarding the VCS Contract (03/2019), which concerns the voice communication and recording system, an appeal has been filed before the Seventh Chamber of the Court of Audit against the negative Act No. 300/2025 of the Sixth Section. A decision is expected in January 2026, and if favorable, the contract amendment will be signed and works will commence immediately.

4. Q: What is the status of the upgrade of the air traffic control system (TopSky ATC One)?

A:
Following approval by EADISY to proceed with a negotiated procedure without publication of a tender notice with THALES LAS France, procedures to accelerate the project have been activated. In January 2026, the official invitation for negotiations will be sent, with the aim of finalizing the offer and submitting the file to the Court of Audit.

The target date for contract signing is March 31, 2026, while full hardware and software integration is scheduled for November 1, 2028.

5. Q: What is the status of Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) implementation?

A:
The updated PBN Transition Plan has been completed and approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (APA). It provides for the completion of design, certification, and publication of the “2020 runways” by the end of 2026. Work is already underway at critical airports.

Regarding the international tender for PBN design and implementation at 31 airports, Decision 2681/2025 of the Athens Administrative Court of Appeal (31.12.2025) partially annulled a previous EADISY decision and referred the case back to the HCAA for re-examination of award documentation.

6. Q: What progress has been made in the development of Mode S radar systems?

A:
Within the “Pallas T1” program, preparatory studies have begun for a new installation in Aegina, while interim upgrades (Pallas 3G) are being activated, enabling the use of Mode S and ADS-B data.

At the same time, Tender 62/2025 was launched for the supply and installation of eight new Mode S radar systems at airports and area stations, with a submission deadline of January 31, 2026.

7. Q: What is the progress in the transformation of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA)?

A:
The HCAA was transformed into a Legal Entity of Public Law under Law 5240/2025 (Government Gazette 184/A/24-10-2025). With the appointment of its Board of Directors (Ministerial Decision 182209, Gazette Y.O.D.D. 1484/12-11-2025), it now has full legal authority.

Recruitment is in its final stage for 43 ATSEP specialists and 28 AFISO employees, while for 2026, the hiring of an additional 100 employees through ASEP has been approved. This includes 72 Air Traffic Controllers, drawn directly from the pool created by the competition completed on April 4, 2025, resolving a long-standing staffing issue in this sector.