Greek air traffic controllers call for radar system upgrade, more staff to avoid flight delays

Greece's air traffic controllers' union is calling for an urgent upgrade of the country's air traffic radar system and for more staff to be hired to handle the increasing number of tourists coming in.

Union head Spyros Rolakis said Wednesday the country's air traffic control system was operating with diminishing staff and a radar system dating from 1999 that has only been upgraded once, in 2008. Rolakis insisted there has been no compromise to flight safety, but said in order for fewer staff to safely handle more flights with aging technology, flights would likely face delays.

Greece has been struggling through a deep financial crisis but enjoyed a tourism boom in 2014. It is hoping for even more tourist arrivals this year.