Flights and other travel services in Greece are set to face major disruption on Friday (28 February) when air traffic controllers and other transport workers are due to join a 24-hour nationwide general strike.
The strike is being held by unions to mark the second anniversary of the Tempi rail crash in Greece which led to the death of 57 people. Unions say they are “seeking justice” for these victims.
All commercial flights in and out of Athens’ main airport are set to be cancelled for 24 hours during the strike period from 00.01 to 23.59 on Friday.
Flights from all airports in Greece will be affected on 28 February with local carriers Aegean, Olympic Air and SKY Express cancelling most services.
In a statement, sister airlines Aegean and Olympic said that all domestic and international services would be cancelled on Friday, apart from a handful of late-night and early-morning flights to and from Larnaca, Yerevan and Cairo.
Aegean also warned that cancellations and adjustments to flights would have to be made on Thursday (27 February) and Saturday (1 March) due to the impact of the strike.
Apart from the cancellation of flights, major disruption is expected in transport services. Taxis will be on strike from 10:00 to 13:00, and train and ferry and boat employees will be on a 24-hour strike.
Demonstrations scheduled during the strike in Greece
In Athens, demonstrations are scheduled in Syntagma Square at 11:00 a.m. In Thessaloniki, demonstrations are scheduled at the Venizelos Statue on Egnatia Street at 11:00 a.m. Several other demonstrations are being planned in other Greek cities.
The US Embassy in Athens called on all American citizens to avoid demonstration areas and exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests. It also urges them to keep a low profile.
“Strikes and demonstrations related to the two-year anniversary of the Tempi train disaster are planned for February 28, 2025. Additional demonstrations may take place in major cities throughout Greece. In prior years, some demonstrations have turned violent and led to the destruction of property.
“There is the potential for the police to employ tear gas if a demonstration becomes violent. Anti-riot engagements between police and demonstrators are possible,” the US Embassy says.
The UK’s Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) warned in a statement: “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.”
Related: Political Turmoil in Greece as Anniversary of Tempi Disaster Approaches
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