Air traffic controllers across Greece will strike for four hours tomorrow, bringing all commercial flights to a complete halt between 09:30 and 13:30 local time. The nationwide walkout, organised by ADEDY as part of a broader public sector strike, will shut down every Greek airport during the peak summer travel period.
Nearly 100 UK flights face disruption, affecting approximately 16,000 to 18,000 British passengers. Major airports including all London hubs, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol and Birmingham will see significant delays and cancellations.
Airlines scramble for solutions
easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, Jet2 and TUI will face the most severe disruptions during the four-hour shutdown. The timing coincides with peak return travel, potentially delaying homebound passengers by four to six hours.
According to Manchester Evening News, Aegean Airlines has proactively offered free ticket changes until September 30, 2025, allowing passengers to reschedule without penalty. The extended disruption could boost holiday stays by 5-10% as travellers postpone returns to avoid delays.
No compensation but passenger rights apply
Airlines owe no cash compensation as the strike falls outside their control. However, carriers must reroute passengers on the next available service and provide meals and accommodation for stranded travellers.
Heathrow and other UK airports may experience backlogs from returning flights, though overall impact should remain manageable. The strike also raises risks of baggage disruptions due to reroutings and last-minute cancellations.
Expert warns of unique disruption
Anton Radchenko, Aviation Expert and Founder at AirAdvisor, said: "The Greek air traffic control strike on August 28 is one of the most disruptive types of industrial action because it paralyses the very infrastructure that all airlines depend on. Unlike an airline strike, where other carriers can often step in, here the entire airspace is effectively restricted, leaving passengers with almost no alternative options."
He added: "For UK travellers, this means the risk of last-minute cancellations on some of the busiest summer routes: flights to Athens, Rhodes, and Crete that are already running at near capacity."
Passengers should avoid accepting vouchers unless convenient and can request full refunds if necessary. Alternative airports like Thessaloniki or smaller regional gateways may offer limited but functioning operations during the strike.
Sources used: "Express", "Manchester Evening News", "coventrytelegraph.net" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
