Travelers heading to Greece are bracing for significant disruption as Greek air traffic controllers prepare for a 24-hour strike on April 9, 2025. This industrial action will cancel between 70 and 80 flights from the UK, affecting approximately 11,200 to 12,800 British travelers, along with other European Union holidaymakers. Major airlines including EasyJet, Ryanair, TUI, and British Airways are expected to be heavily impacted.
The strike, organized by the public sector union ADEDY, seeks the reinstatement of the 13th and 14th salaries for public sector workers, which includes members of the Greek Air Traffic Controllers Association (EEEKE). According to AirAdvisor, a leading air passenger rights organization, this walkout will disrupt not only direct flights from the UK to Greece but also flights to destinations in the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, as Greece serves as a critical transit hub.
Aviation expert Anton Radchenko, founder of AirAdvisor, has warned that Greece's airspace is increasingly unstable. "Since 2023, two to three ATC strikes have affected Greece every year. This shows that its airspace is a ticking time bomb, especially for island hoppers," he stated. He emphasized the unique disruption caused by air traffic control strikes, noting, "Air traffic control strikes are uniquely disruptive because ATC is the backbone of aviation operations - without it, flights cannot take off, land, or safely navigate airspace."
With the Easter holiday approaching, the timing of the strike adds to the chaos. Radchenko explained, "Since Easter is just around the corner, Greece's island-heavy travel makes this strike a nightmare. With flights grounded, there will be increased congestion on ferries, substantially raising their prices close to the holiday." The ripple effects of this strike could lead to delays stacking up, missed connections, and crew scheduling issues throughout the European flight network.
Passengers are advised to take immediate action. AirAdvisor suggests that travelers should monitor their flight status closely and sign up for SMS or email alerts for the quickest updates. If flights are canceled, rebooking options will fill up quickly, so acting fast is crucial. Radchenko also recommends packing essentials such as snacks, water, and extra cash, as tourist areas are expected to be crowded and delays may extend waiting times.
Despite the chaos, passengers should be aware that they will not be entitled to compensation for disruptions caused by the strike, as this situation falls outside the airlines' control. Under EU261 regulations, compensation is only applicable when airlines are directly responsible for flight cancellations or delays. However, passengers are entitled to care and assistance if their flight is delayed beyond two hours for short-haul flights, three hours for medium-haul, and four hours for long-haul flights. This assistance may include complimentary meals and accommodation if an overnight stay is required.
For canceled flights, airlines are required to provide free rerouting and full refunds. EasyJet has already stated, "Due to 24-hour Greek national industrial action tomorrow [April 9], including air traffic controllers, some flights to and from Greece tomorrow will no longer be able to operate. While this is outside of our control, we are sorry for the inconvenience caused and are doing all we can to minimize the impact of the strike action."
Ryanair has also reached out to affected customers, offering them the opportunity to switch to an alternate flight without charge or opt for a refund. A spokesperson for Ryanair remarked, "Due to a Greek Air Traffic Control strike, we have been forced to cancel or make schedule changes to a small number of flights to/from Greece on April 8 and April 9. Passengers affected by these cancellations/schedule changes will be notified of their options via email."
As travelers navigate this turbulent situation, keeping informed and prepared will be key to minimizing disruptions. With the holiday season in full swing, the pressure on Greece's airspace could lead to broader delays across Europe. The best course of action for travelers is to stay updated, remain flexible with their plans, and be ready for potential changes.
In light of these developments, Express.co.uk has reached out to TUI and British Airways for comments regarding their plans to address the strike's impact on their passengers. As the situation continues to evolve, travelers are encouraged to stay vigilant and proactive in managing their travel arrangements.
