Cairo Airport Activates Emergency Plans to Handle Diverted Flights after Greek Airspace Closure

Cairo International Airport activated emergency and contingency plans to manage a surge in diverted flights following the sudden closure of Greek airspace due to a technical failure in air traffic control and navigation systems.

In an official statement on Sunday, airport authorities said Cairo International Airport received several international flights that were forced to alter their routes as part of standard operational procedures to ensure flight safety. The diversions came after Greece shut down its airspace, a key navigation corridor for flights traveling to and from Europe.

The rerouted flights included services operated by Saudi, Jordanian, and Algerian airlines that were en route to various European destinations. These flights typically rely on Greek airspace as a primary transit route, prompting airlines to replan their trajectories and land at Cairo International Airport as a safe operational alternative. One overflying aircraft was also instructed to return to its point of departure in line with approved aviation procedures.

Cairo International Airport confirmed it had raised its readiness level across all relevant sectors, activating emergency response plans and ensuring full coordination among operational, security, and service authorities. The measures aim to guarantee the swift handling of diverted flights while maintaining smooth airport operations and adhering to the highest standards of aviation safety and security.

The airport’s Crisis Management Center, operating from the main operations hub, continues to monitor developments in real time and coordinate closely with all concerned entities. Authorities said the center is tracking all diverted flights on an ongoing basis to ensure immediate and efficient handling, while maintaining uninterrupted services in line with international standards.

The closure of Greek airspace has caused widespread disruption across regional and European aviation networks, placing additional pressure on alternative hubs such as Cairo, which plays a critical role in managing rerouted traffic during airspace emergencies.

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EgyptAir Press Statement 

EGYPTAIR confirms that this closure has impacted its flights, along with those of other airlines, particularly services transiting through or operating to Europe and the United States, as Greek airspace represents a key navigation corridor for these routes.

Accordingly, the company is implementing the necessary operational measures to reroute affected flights in order to avoid the impacted airspace. These adjustments are expected to require additional time due to the strategic importance of this airspace for flights to Europe and North America.

EGYPTAIR further affirms that it is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the EGYPTAIR Integrated Operations Center (IOCC) and continuously assessing the impact of these emergency measures on flight schedules. The company will keep its customers informed through its official sales channels and customer service centers in Egypt and across its international network as updates become available.