Greece scrambles two F-16s after Turkish drone flew near Alexandroupolis airport
A Turkish UAV entered Greece’s responsibility zone over the Aegean between Samothrace and Lemnos; coordination between civil aviation control and fighters prevented danger to an Aegean Airlines departure.
Greek fighters scrambled two F-16s after a Turkish drone entered Greece’s zone of responsibility and violated Greek airspace over the Aegean Sea, authorities said. The unmanned aircraft was tracked in the corridor between the islands of Samothrace and Lemnos, prompting an immediate air response.
Interception and runway proximity
The Hellenic Air Force dispatched the pair of F-16s to locate, identify and intercept the UAV. Officials reported particular concern because the drone came close to the terminal runway at Alexandroupolis airport at a time when an Aegean Airlines passenger jet was preparing for takeoff.
Coordination between the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority and the scrambling fighters allowed the drone to be driven away without endangering the commercial flight. As a precaution, air traffic control instructed the Aegean Airlines aircraft to follow an alternate departure routing and to maintain a low altitude until the area was declared clear.
Once controllers confirmed the situation was safe, the passenger plane continued its flight normally and proceeded to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport in Athens.
Commentary in Athens has been sharp amid broader tensions with Ankara: "They are illegal" — Greece angry after Turkey declared two maritime areas national parks.
Photo: press material from the event
