General Strike in Greece May Ground All Flights on February 28

UPDATE (11pm, February 27):
The strike action announced by Greece’s air traffic controllers union was deemed “illegal” after the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority had appealed against it in court. The strike therefore has been cancelled.
Flights on Wednesday, February 28, will take place normally.

Photo source: Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA)

Flights to and from Greece are expected to be canceled on Wednesday, February 28, after the country’s air traffic controllers union announced that they would be participating in a 24-hour general workers’ strike announced by the Confederation of Greek Civil Servants’ Trade Unions (ADEDY).

Considering that the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) does not appeal against the strike, there will be no flights to and from Greek airports on that day.

Only air transport by helicopters, special flights and overflights will be allowed. Commercial flights – domestic and international – will be cancelled.

Citing the high cost of living and inflationary pressures, ADEDY’s demands include an 10 percent increase in public sector employee wages, the immediate reinstatement of bonuses, the formulation of collective labor agreements for salary negotiations, the abolition of a salary freeze imposed in 2016-2017, the elimination of a 2 percent unemployment contribution, increasing the tax-free threshold to 12,000 euros, increasing the hazard pay, and addressing staffing needs and infrastructure upgrades.

In view of the announced strike, travelers to Greece are advised to check with their respective airlines for updates on flight cancellations and alternative arrangements.