Air traffic controllers are set to walk out on strike in Greece, with all but emergency flights set to be cancelled
Holidaymakers planning to travel to Greece for the Easter holidays could be in for a travel nightmare. Air traffic controllers are set to go on strike, leading to the cancellation of all but emergency flights into and out of the country.
The Greek Air Traffic Controllers Association (EEEKE) has announced that they will participate in a 24-hour strike called by the Civil Servants Federation (ADEDY), starting on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
As many schools break up for the Easter holidays tomorrow (April 4), next week is expected to be a peak time for travel. This means numerous families travelling to and from Greece could find themselves caught up in the disruption.
Both unions will also be striking on the same day over a pay dispute. Air traffic controllers will strike from 12.01am on April 9 until midnight, with only essential and urgent flights being handled during this period. These include:
- Flights that fly over Athens.
- Flights carrying heads of state and prime ministers.
- Hellenic Air Force flights participating in operational missions and scheduled exercises.
- Flights of aircraft facing unusual situations or in a state of emergency. Hospital flights.
- Humanitarian aid flights.
- Search and rescue aircraft flights.
More than 4.6 million Brits visited Greece last year, forming the second largest group of tourists. While the strike will last 24 hours, the following days may see a ripple effect as delayed services are managed.
Greek authorities have quashed many strikes by deeming them “illegal” in court, yet an air traffic control strike on February 28 went ahead as planned. However, this caused less disruption, as it wasn’t during a peak travel time.
Ivaylo Danailov, CEO of SkyRefund, warns UK travellers impacted by the strike might not qualify for compensation, saying: “There is a set list of reasons when airlines are not required to pay flight delay compensation. These are cases in which the issue is outside of the airline’s hands and they couldn’t have prevented it.
“Extraordinary circumstances for flight delays include air traffic control restrictions, including runway closures. Passenger rights to care and assistance, though, remains the same.
“This is why, under EU rules, flight delay compensation need not be paid in these circumstances. Unfortunately, it is often very difficult for passengers to find out the reason behind a strike.
“That’s why we recommend that all claims for flight delay compensation be assessed on an individual basis in order to determine the nature of each particular strike.”
