Seven Turkish aircraft conducted air space violations in the Aegean Sea

On September 30, 2026, the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS) reported multiple violations of Greek national air space and air traffic regulations within the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) by Turkish military assets. A total of seven aircraft were involved in these incidents, which occurred across the northeastern, central, and southeastern sectors of the Aegean Sea.

The activity included a formation of two armed F-16 fighter jets, one ATR-72 maritime patrol aircraft, and four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). According to the official data, there were seven recorded violations of air traffic regulations and six violations of national air space. Specifically, the F-16s were involved in one air space violation and one traffic regulation breach, the ATR-72 performed four air space violations and one traffic breach, and the UAVs were responsible for one air space violation and five traffic regulation breaches. There were no reports of overflights or aerial engagements during these incidents.

All Turkish aircraft were identified and intercepted by Hellenic Air Force units in accordance with established international rules and standard operating procedures. The situation highlights ongoing tensions regarding air space sovereignty in the region, with Greek authorities maintaining a policy of standard interception for such activities.