For the first time in nearly two years, a Turkish fighter jet violated Greek national airspace near Rhodes on Thursday, according to Vimatodotis.
Previous airspace violations and air traffic rule breaches had been carried out by propeller-driven reconnaissance aircraft. However, on Thursday, a Turkish F-16 entered Greek airspace.
Reports from Vimatodotis suggest that the Turkish pilot either did not realize where he was flying or was simply careless, as the incursion lasted just one minute—entering, exiting, and continuing on course without apparent awareness of the violation.
The incident comes at a time of improved relations between Greece and Turkey, with both sides working to maintain a “positive agenda.” However, it follows recent remarks by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in which he claimed that Thessaloniki is part of Turkey.
Since the statement, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries have announced that they will resume the Greek-Turkish dialogue and are working towards organizing the next meeting between the two parties.
Additionally, the Greek airspace violation by the Turkish fighter jet occurred on the eve of the anniversary of the Imia crisis of January 31, 1996—an event that nearly brought Greece and Turkey to the brink of war.