Business aviation operators planning flights to Athens International Airport (LGAV) should prepare for significant operational changes that will take effect for the Summer 2025 season, starting March 30, 2025. These updates will impact a wide range of aircraft operators, including private (D), air taxi (N), and ferry/tech stop flights, as well as those flying under IFR, VFR, Z, and Y flight rules. The new regulations primarily affect aircraft over 5,700 kg MTOW, with additional coordination now required for certain VFR flights, which marks a notable departure from previous Greek airspace policies. With changes to slot coordination, parking approvals, and PPR requirements, operators must carefully plan their schedules to avoid disruptions, particularly during peak traffic periods.

Reduction in Free Parking Time

• The free parking period at LGAV is now reduced to 2 hours, down from the previous 8, 10, or 12 hours.
• Any stay beyond 2 hours requires confirmation, which will only be granted 24 hours prior to the operation.
• Operators planning daily visits should take this into account when scheduling flights.

Slot Coordination and Peak Time Considerations

• LGAV will transition to Level 2 slot coordination for the Summer 2025 season.
• Expect deviations from requested arrival and departure times for last-minute slot requests, particularly during peak times: 0600Z, 0900Z, 1200Z, and 1500Z.
• While not as severe as the congestion seen at smaller regional airports, delays of one hour or more should be anticipated if slots are not secured in advance.

Slot Coordination and PPR Requirements

• Aircraft over 5,700 kg MTOW are now subject to slot coordination.
• This applies to IFR (I), VFR (V), Z, and Y flight rules, marking a notable change since most other Greek airports do not coordinate VFR flights.
• Affected flight categories include:
  • D (Private), N (Air Taxi), and Ferry/Tech Stops.
  • Exemptions: Ambulance, State, Military, Diversions, Search & Rescue, Police, Firefighting, Humanitarian, and Training/Test flights.

Slot and PPR Application Process

• Slot application window opens 7 days before the day of operation.
• Ground time requests:
  • 120 mins max / 20 mins min ground time – slot coordination required, no PPR.
  • Over 120 mins – requires PPR, which can only be applied for one day before ops (Ops -1).
• For last-minute requests (Ops -1 or same-day requests):
  • PPR approval must come first from airport authorities before slot application can proceed.
  • PPR requests are approved by the airport authority, not the slot coordinator.
• PPR must align with the approved slot times (tolerance of ±20 minutes).

Slot Flexibility and Adjustments

• Reducing stay time: If a long-term parking permit (PPR) is already granted, operators can reduce their stay without requiring a PPR update, only a runway slot change.
• Increasing stay time: Requires a new PPR request, which may be difficult to secure on short notice due to ramp congestion.
• Slot tolerance: Expected to be ±20 minutes, though not yet officially confirmed. Eurocontrol may suspend FPLs outside this tolerance under Greece’s FLS procedure (typically enforced from June to September).

Slot Booking and Coordination

• Slots must be requested in turnaround format.
• Applications are accepted via:
  • Online Coordination System (OCS).
  • Manual request via email to Hellenic Slot Coordination Authority (slot@hsca.gr).
• Slot coordination period: March 30, 2025 (0001 UTC) – October 25, 2025 (2359 UTC).
• Slots are not transferable between aircraft unless:
  • Both aircraft operate under the same AOC.
  • Aircraft type remains the same.
  • Slot is booked under the airline designator.
• Changing aircraft type requires slot cancellation and reapplication.
• Slot ID must be included in FPL Item 18 (ASL format).

Helicopter Operations and Exemptions

• Helicopters are excluded from slot coordination, regardless of MTOW.
• PPR requirements still apply to flights excluded from slot coordination.

Best Practices for Operators

• Plan early: Operators requiring long-term parking should not delay schedule submissions. Booking the runway slot 7 days in advance allows time for PPR approval on Ops -1.
• Avoid requesting excessive ground time: Overstating parking time to secure flexibility is not recommended—LGAV’s ramp is congested, and such requests may be denied.
• Account for FLS periods: Typically enforced June–September, off-slot FPLs risk suspension by Eurocontrol.

These changes will require more precise planning for business aviation operations at LGAV. Ensure that slots and PPR requests are managed well in advance to avoid last-minute disruptions. For further details, refer to the Hellenic Slot Coordination Authority or contact your trip support provider.