Flight disruption in Greece expected amid mass demonstrations alert

An official Foreign Office travel alert has issued a warning of flight cancellations and delays in Greece on Friday.

Travel advice was updated for the country last night (Monday) to confirm reports that mass demonstrations are planned to mark the second anniversary of the 2023 Tempi Valley train collision which occurred in Thessaly region in central Greece which killed 57 people and injured 85 more.

Mass demonstrations will lead to “widespread disruption” to public services at the end of the week.

The Foreign, Commonweath & Development Office (FCDO) alert said: “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.”

The FCDO added: “Public services, including hospitals, will face widespread disruptions and may only deal with emergency cases.”

EasyJet had cautioned that all airlines operating to and from Greece on Friday “might experience some disruption”. 

Aegean Airlines is offering refunds, free flights changes or credit vouchers to passengers due to fly on Friday as Greek air traffic controllers join the 24-hour general strike.

Further advice was also issued for the islands of Santorini, Anafi, Ios and Amorgos following increased seismic activity.

The FCDO noted: “The area around the Cycladic islands of Santorini, Anafi, Ios and Amorgos, is currently experiencing frequent earthquakes which may continue for several weeks. 

“The Greek authorities advised people in those areas not to attend large indoor gatherings, to avoid old or abandoned buildings and the ports of Amoudi, Armeni, Korfos and Old Port (Paleos Limenas) in the area of Fira and to choose safe routes when travelling, particularly in areas where the landslide risk is high. In case of a strong tremor, people should immediately depart coastal areas.

“The Greek Ministry of Civil Protection declared states of emergency on Santorini, Anafi, Ios and Amorgos to allow its emergency services to facilitate access to and mobilisation of resources to prepare in case of a need to respond to a strong earthquake.

“If you are in the affected areas, you should keep up to date with and follow the advice of local authorities and emergency services.”