Air traffic at Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" is operating smoothly again following the resolution of a technical malfunction that affected the data transmission system at the "Merenda" location. The Greek Civil Aviation Authority (YPA) reported that a malfunction was detected on February 19, 2026, which caused temporary disruptions and reduced service capacity for aircraft. However, the specialized YPA personnel acted swiftly to diagnose and rectify the issue, leading to a restoration of services in air traffic control.

Earlier, Greek air traffic controllers had criticized the Civil Aviation Authority, reporting that communication had been lost with the Merenda hill, similar to previous incidents. Such malfunctions not only impact airport operations but also raise concerns regarding overall safety and reliability in air traffic management, particularly in a busy airport like Athens International. The efficiency of the technical systems in place is crucial for maintaining high standards of air safety.

The timely response of the YPA personnel highlights the importance of having skilled professionals available to address such issues swiftly. Ensuring continuous communication and data transmission is vital for effective air traffic control and can prevent potential delays and safety risks for passengers and airline operations. The resolution of this situation indicates that operational protocols are in place to manage technical difficulties quickly and return to normal aerial operations promptly.