Greece appoints 45 new air traffic controllers to boost civil aviation safety

On 20 July 2026 the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (ΥΠΑ) conducted an oath ceremony for 45 newly recruited air traffic controllers, increasing the staff needed for safe and efficient management of Greece’s airspace. The controllers were selected from the successful candidates of the 2Γ/2024 ASEP announcement and evaluated through the FEAST programme of EUROCONTROL, a process first used in the October 2025 appointment of an initial 80 controllers.

The ceremony also included the induction of one flight‑information officer for Kastellorizo Airport and four ground‑handling staff who will be posted at the airports of Chios, Naxos, Kythera and Sitia. Deputy Director George Vagenas and senior officials attended the event. The recruitment plan foresees the swearing‑in of an additional eight controllers in the near term and a further 21 before the end of 2026, bringing the total number of newly appointed controllers for the 2025‑2026 period to 169.