Originally Posted by
EDML
They could have landed in Athens around 30 min after the IFSD.
Also looks like the AC wasn't ETOPS certified at all. - So max. diversion time 60min.
ETOPS doesn't really matter outside of the planning phase.
If the nearest suitable is more than 60 minutes of flying away while non-ETOPS you should fly there.
Other way around, even if you are flying ETOPS but the nearest suitable airport is only 30 minuts away, you should fly there.
Anyhow, very odd decision-making at first glance.