Greece is preparing to launch the largest redesign of flight procedures in its history, introducing satellite-based navigation systems across 31 airports as part of a major overhaul of the country’s air navigation infrastructure.
The government is expected to sign a contract for Performance Based Navigation (PBN) procedures in the immediate future, marking the start of a nationally significant project that will change how aircraft plan and operate flights at Greek airports.
PBN uses satellite signals to allow aircraft to follow more precise and predictable flight paths. The project aims to create a safer, more efficient and resilient air navigation system as European aviation traffic reaches record levels and delays place growing pressure on the continent’s aviation network.
The programme covers 31 airports across Greece and will design, assess and validate 191 new PBN procedures. Aviation authorities will also redesign and update 187 conventional instrument flight procedures, modernise aeronautical data and fully map natural and man-made obstacles.
The scale of the programme makes it the largest redesign of flight procedures ever undertaken in Greece.
The project forms a central part of Greece’s Action Plan for compliance with the European Union’s air traffic management regulatory framework and supports the full implementation of EU Regulation 2018/1048 on Performance Based Navigation.
Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Dimas said the project represents a decisive step towards modernising Greek air navigation.
“The signing of the contract for PBN procedures is not just another public contract,” Dimas told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency. “It is a decisive step towards the overall modernisation of Greek air navigation, with the aim of creating a safer, more efficient and more modern air traffic management system.”
“Greece is not simply investing in addressing today’s challenges,” he added. “It is investing in the infrastructure and technologies that will allow the air navigation system to safely and reliably manage aviation traffic over the next decade.”
Greater Safety and Operational Efficiency
The new PBN procedures will allow aircraft to follow more accurate and predictable routes by using advanced satellite navigation capabilities.
Authorities expect the technology to improve airspace management, increase the effective use of airport capacity and strengthen flight safety.
The new system will also improve the operational capacity and resilience of Greece’s air navigation network as passenger and aircraft traffic continues to increase.
Benefits for Airlines and Passengers
Optimised flight procedures could reduce flight distances and journey times, limit holding patterns and lower aircraft fuel consumption.
The changes should also help reduce CO₂ emissions while improving the predictability and overall quality of air services.
Officials stressed that PBN alone cannot solve the complex problem of aviation delays. However, the technology represents one of Greece’s most important structural measures for increasing air navigation capacity and efficiency.
The project forms part of a broader transformation of Greek air navigation infrastructure. The programme also includes Data Link Services, the new TopSky ATC One air traffic management system, new Mode S surveillance systems and Greece’s national Action Plan for full compliance with European aviation regulations.