Air traffic congestion in Greek and Cypriot skies disrupts Israel flights

Record levels of air traffic in the Eastern Mediterranean have pushed the airspace over Greece and Cyprus to the limits of capacity. Eurocontrol data show about 37,000 flights per day, creating unprecedented congestion.

The overload is causing widespread delays for flights to and from Israel. Israeli passengers have reported hours‑long waits for departures from Greek airports, and airlines are facing slot shortages and entry‑clearance delays. Control centres in Athens and Thessaloniki are strained by staffing shortfalls, while the summer surge in demand adds further pressure.

The ripple effect reaches major airports across the region, including Ben Gurion in Israel and Larnaca, Paphos, Rhodes, Crete, Corfu, Kos, Santorini and Mykonos in Greece and Cyprus. Even a small delay at one airport can cascade into schedule disruptions throughout the day.