Holiday chaos looms as strikes set to shut down Greek airports
If you're preparing to set off to Greece for a spring getaway, you should be checking the status of your flight.
That's because there's a strong chance of a shutdown at Greek airports on Wednesday when air traffic controllers plan to take part in a nationwide 24-hour strike - that is, if they are not banned from doing so by a court order at short notice.
For holidaymakers, this means plenty of uncertainty due to the threat of flight cancellations and delays, right at Europe's first major wave of air travel of the year.
"No flights from/to Athens International Airport El. Venizelos will be operated from 00:00 to 23:59 (local time)," airport officials have announced on their website. Thessaloniki Airport has issued a similar warning to passengers.
It's important to know that other areas are also affected by the nationwide strikes. Ferries are set to also remain in ports on Wednesday, since a strike here has been called.
Under EU law, in the event of a flight cancellation due to a strike, the airline or, in the case of a package holiday, the tour operator, must arrange alternative transport.
If the flight cannot depart until the next day, the providers must also pay for any necessary hotel accommodation. This is regulated by EU air passenger rights.
And package holidaymakers whose holiday is due to start a day later due to the strike can reduce their holiday price proportionately – they pay for one day less.
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