DFS Aviation Services advances airspace modernisation with Performance Based Navigation implementation at Athens International Airport

DFS Aviation Services, together with the airport's operator company Athens International Airport S.A. (AIA) and the Hellenic Air Navigation Service Provider (HASP), continues its journey for the complete redesign of the Athens TMA and the development and implementation of Performance Based Navigation (PBN) flight procedures for Athens International Airport.

In September 2023, DFS Aviation Services was awarded a contract by Athens International Airport S.A. (AIA) to provide consulting services to the Hellenic Air Navigation Service Provider (HASP). The project focuses on the redesign of the Terminal Manoeuvring Area (TMA) for Athens and the development of advanced PBN flight procedures to enhance operational efficiency and airspace capacity.

The airspace modernisation project of the Athens TMA progressed in two key phases. The first phase, which was successfully completed in March 2024, involved the development and implementation of Performance Based Navigation (PBN) procedures within the existing TMA, delivered in under six months and then in regular operation.

The second phase focuses on a complete redesign of the Athens TMA to enable parallel independent runway operations, increase capacity, reduce delays, lower controller and pilot workload, and improve the environmental footprint while maintaining high safety standards.

“We sincerely appreciate the positive reception of our design for the new Athens TMA by HASP air traffic controllers and Greek stakeholders. We look forward to continuing the work towards its implementation with our partners AIA and HASP, supporting the growth of Greece's tourism industry," states Andreas Pötzsch, Managing Director at DAS.

A major milestone in this phase was achieved in March 2026 with the successful completion of a real-time simulation (RTS) held in the premises of DFS Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH in Munich. 14 HASP air traffic controllers evaluated the new TMA and PBN procedures across 25 simulation exercises, providing highly positive feedback that will guide final refinements ahead of implementation.