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Alsharq Tribune- World News
Travellers flying to Greece on February 28 should expect major disruption to their journeys. Air traffic controllers will join a nationwide general strike, which will see all commercial flights in and out of Athens’ Venizelos Airport cancelled for 24 hours.
The airport, which typically handles over 400 flights daily, is the biggest and busiest airport in Greece, and the country’s main international gateway. It is also a major hub for many European and international airlines.
Essential flights, including government transport, medical evacuations, military aircraft, humanitarian aid deliveries, and search and rescue missions will not be interrupted. The strike, by the Hellenic Air Traffic Controllers Union (EEEKE), is scheduled to take place on the second anniversary of the tragic rail crash in Tempe, Northern Greece.
On February 28 2023, a freight train and a passenger train collided, killing 57 people and injuring 85. The crash, which to this day is the deadliest rail disaster in Greek history, is said to have exposed failings in the country’s railway safety equipment. Following the incident, Greece’s transport minister stepped down.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has now updated its advice, warning British travellers of widespread disruption across the country on Friday. It said: ‘Mass demonstrations and widespread disruption to public services will take place across Greece on 28 February.
‘All public transport will face serious disruptions and suspension to services. Ferries, nationwide trains, and air traffic controllers will conduct a 24-hour strike. Expect flight cancellations and delays for national and international flights to and from all airports in Greece.
‘Public services, including hospitals, will face widespread disruptions and may only deal with emergency cases.’
The industrial action supports both justice for the victims, many of whom were university students returning to their studies, and a demand for greater safety reforms in Greece’s transportation systems.
his isn’t the first time demonstrations have been held in response to the train crash. Last month, the relatives of the victims held a mass protest criticising the official handling of the disaster.
It was alleged the freight train was carrying dangerous chemicals that ignited, as well as claims of authorities covering up the crash. However, the government strongly denies this
As for the flight disruption, travel experts have warned people to be prepared for chaos. EasyJet, one of the airlines that could be affected by Friday’s strike, told The Sun they advise customers travelling on the day to check the status of their flights on their Flight Tracker page
They added: ‘Although this is outside of our control, we would like to apologise to all our customers for any inconvenience and would like to reassure them we will do all possible to minimise any disruption as a result of the strike action.’
Meanwhile, Sky Express has today announced the cancellation of all its scheduled domestic and international flights on February 28 due to the strike. Aegean Airways and Cyprus Airways has also confirmed changes to flights in and out of Athens.
