[AP/Geert Vanden Wijngaert]
The European Commission has referred Greece to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to implement performance-based navigation (PBN) procedures at Greek airports.
According to a press release from the European Commission Delegation in Greece, implementing the PBN regulation improves safety, capacity, environmental performance and cost-effectiveness. Modern air traffic management technology gives pilots vertical guidance and better situational awareness, increasing safety and accessibility, especially in low visibility conditions, and reducing delays at Greek airports.
More specifically, Greece has not published the required PBN procedures at 44 runway ends, which should have been in place by December 2020. Each runway has two ends depending on the landing direction.
The Commission said replies from Greek authorities to its letter of formal notice in April 2024 and to its reasoned opinion in December 2024 did not provide sufficient evidence of PBN implementation or corrective measures. While acknowledging efforts by the authorities, the Commission said progress has been insufficient and referred Greece to the court.