Airport strikes add to problems in Greece

On Wednesday, all air services into and out of Greece have been cancelled, as air traffic controllers join a general strike in protest of the government’s economic policies.

Hundreds of flights were cancelled in advance, as air traffic controllers ready to join the 24-hour nationwide strike.

The walk-out comes after a third consecutive night of protests and riots around the country, and is certain to cause disruptions in travel plans for holidaymakers either heading to Greece or already travelling in the country.

At 10:00pm local time on Tuesday night, airport staff began their walk-out as part of the general strike over government policies.

On Wednesday, there will be no flights permitted to land at or take off from Greek airports, which has meant British Airways cancelling a total of seven flights to Athens and Thessaloniki, and easyJet cancelling eight flights from British airports to Greece.

Both airlines will be offering refunds to passengers or rescheduling on other flights.

Aegean, Olympic and Thomas Cook airlines have all announced the cancellation of all their services to and from Greece on Wednesday.

The air traffic controller strike just adds to the misery that travellers in the country are experiencing at present. Following the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old Greek boy by police last weekend, violent demonstrations continue around the country for the third day.

Streets in Athens have been closed, and the unrest has spread to Corfu, Crete, Ioannina, Patras, Thessaloniki and Trikala.

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