Greece’s Air Traffic Congestion Creates Major Delays for Middle East Flights Including Israel
Greece has become a significant bottleneck in Middle Eastern air traffic, causing widespread delays that also impact Israel's Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). Last weekend, Israel Airports Authority (IAA) reported unusual congestion at TLV, attributing it partly to European airspace restrictions, especially over Greece. Similar restrictions were imposed days earlier due to Greek air traffic control limiting flights crossing its airspace en route to Europe.
Greece’s air traffic issues are not new; in July, radar system failures caused delays, and in January, the country temporarily closed its airspace due to communication system faults. According to TLV’s delay index, Greek destinations such as Chania, Kos, and Corfu rank among the top for flight delays, with average delays exceeding 90 minutes. Eurocontrol data shows Athens’ air traffic control generated about 6,400 minutes of daily cumulative delays in July, affecting all flights passing through Greek airspace.
The surge in delays correlates with a record influx of tourists to Greece. The Greek Tourism Research Institute (INSETE) reported 38 million visitors in 2025, a 21% increase from pre-pandemic levels, with a further 27% rise in the first five months of 2026. Tourism expert Yehuda Zafrani noted Greece is on track to reach 40 million tourists this year, intensifying air traffic control challenges amid staffing shortages in Athens’ control center.
The geopolitical situation also influences travel patterns, as many Europeans avoid Turkey and the broader Mediterranean region due to ongoing conflicts. Israeli travelers contribute significantly to the congestion; in July, Greece was the top foreign destination for Israelis, with approximately 426,000 travelers, representing 18.5% of outbound flights.
Greek airspace delays ripple across Europe, as traffic control centers like Brussels reroute flights, compounding delays continent-wide. Although a seasonal drop in tourist numbers and air traffic is expected from September when many Greek islands close for winter, TLV anticipates continued high passenger volumes and potential record-breaking traffic in the near term.
Greek airline Blue Bird, partly Israeli-owned, has faced criticism for long delays and poor passenger conditions, with average delays of nearly two hours over recent weeks. The IAA has summoned the airline for a hearing due to these disruptions. Meanwhile, TLV continues to operate at unprecedented capacity despite challenges, including ongoing disruptions from US military refueling aircraft stationed at the airport. The IAA emphasized its commitment to maintaining flight continuity and minimizing cancellations despite the complex situation.
