Greece Bolsters Air Traffic Control with 45 New Controllers

Greece's Civil Aviation Authority (YPA) has bolstered its critical air traffic control sector by swearing in 45 new controllers. This significant intake aims to manage historically high air traffic levels across the country.

The new controllers were selected through a rigorous process, including the FEAST system developed by EUROCONTROL, which was used for the first time in this recruitment drive. This follows the hiring of 80 air traffic controllers in October 2025 using the same methodology.

The YPA's staffing enhancement is set to continue, with eight more controllers scheduled to be sworn in soon and an additional 21 planned by the end of 2026. These combined efforts will bring the total number of new hires to 169 over the 2025-2026 period, substantially boosting the service's operational capabilities.

In addition to air traffic controllers, the YPA also welcomed one airport flight information officer for the Kastellorizo airport and four drivers to staff airports in Chios, Naxos, Kythira, and Sitia. These appointments address operational needs at regional airports.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by the YPA's deputy administrator, Giorgos Vagenas, and other senior officials who congratulated the new recruits. This personnel expansion is part of a broader initiative to upgrade air navigation services, aiming for better management of increasing air traffic and improved operational capacity within Greece's air traffic control system.