Major Flight Delays Expected at Ben Gurion Airport - Here's Why

The Israel Airports Authority announced Sunday afternoon that a critical communications failure occurred in Greek airspace, preventing aircraft from flying over the country and forcing major route changes for flights to and from Ben Gurion Airport.

The Airports Authority stated: "Due to communication problems in Greek airspace, Greek airspace is currently closed until 16:00 (4:00 PM). Therefore, delays are expected in takeoffs and landings. Airlines are trying to find alternative routes. The traveling public is advised to check with the airlines."

Because of the malfunction, all flights scheduled to pass through Greek airspace have been rerouted to alternative flight paths, causing the significant delays. Greece's location makes it a key transit point for many flights between Israel and Europe, meaning the closure has wide-ranging effects on air traffic.

Airlines are working to establish bypass routes to minimize disruption, though the sudden closure has created logistical challenges across the aviation network.

According to a report on Channel 12 News citing aviation industry sources, "This is a serious and historic malfunction."

The nature of such a complete airspace closure due to communications failure is highly unusual, and the incident is expected to have ripple effects on flight schedules throughout the day.

Passengers are strongly advised to contact their airlines directly for updated information on their specific flights, as delays may vary depending on routes and the airlines' ability to establish alternative flight paths.

The Airports Authority has not provided details on the specific nature of the communications failure or whether similar incidents have occurred in the past.