Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
BRITS heading to Greece this week have been warned to expect chaos ahead of a huge country-wide strike.
Air traffic controllers in Greece have announced plans to strike on Friday, 28 February meaning all scheduled flights are expected to be cancelled.
With one of the key air traffic controller unions (ATC) staging a walkout, it will mean hundreds of commercial flights will be cancelled with thousands of passengers unable to fly.
Athens Venizelos Airport, that handles 400 flights a day, is due to shut down for 24 hours at the end of the week.
The UK airlines that could be affected include EasyJet, Wizz Air, British Airways as they all have flights to Athens.
EasyJet told Sun Travel:“easyJet is aware of the 24 hours national industrial actions in Greece on Friday, 28 February.
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"We advise customers travelling on the day to check the status of their flights on our Flight Tracker page or manage their bookings using our disruption portal on our mobile app or website at flight number)."
EasyJet continued: "Customers on affected flights will also be contacted directly via SMS and email via the details provided at the time of booking. Any customers affected by cancellations are eligible for a refund or a free of charge transfer to a new flight.
“Although this is outside of our control, we would like to apologise to all our customers for any inconvenience and would like to reassure them we will do all possible to minimise any disruption as a result of the strike action.”
The ATC strike is part of a wider demonstration as it marks two-years since the rail crash in Northern Greece, where 57 people lost their lives.
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Anton Radchenko, of , says all travel to and from Greece will stop on Friday.
He adds: “It looks like air travel to and from Greece will grind to a complete halt on Friday.
"Unlike some ATC strikes, where only staff from specific unions walkout, from what we gather, Greece’s entire ATC workforce are taking a united front on this matter - so it’s unlikely that temporary staff will be drafted in to help manage the situation."
For anyone due to fly to Greece on Friday, Anton suggests that travellers who haven't been contacted by their airline should reach out to see if their flight will be rescheduled.
He also says to download the airline app and sign up to alerts to stay updated on the situation.
Adding to that, Anton explains: “If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to request a seat on an alternative flight to your destination.
"If they can’t rebook you on one of their services within a reasonable amount of time, and a seat is available on another carrier’s flight, they are required to book it for you, at your intended airline’s expense."
Anton also adds that customers who decide they no longer want to travel are entitled to a refund equivalent to the full cost of their ticket.
Not only will the strike affect direct flights to and from Greece, there's a possibility it will also impact international flights transiting through Greece due to airspace restrictions.
A few flights should remain unaffected which include medical emergency aircraft, those for search and rescue, and government planes.
Across Greece, there will be very limited services that coincide with the second anniversary of the Tempe rail disaster.
The crash on 28 February 2023 was said to expose the 'shortcomings in safety equipment in Greece's railway system'.
The hope for those going on strike is that the demonstration will push for greater safety reforms in Greece’s transportation systems.
Along with the flight cancellations, there will be no train services throughout Greece because of the 24-hour strike.
Ferries will be docked at the port too as Panhellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO) are also joining the demonstration.
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On Friday there will also be no taxis, pharmacies will close along with theatres and nightclubs.
Greece isn't the only country staging strikes this week, there's also disruption in Italy as pilots walk out with planes unable to take off.
Flight compensation rules
A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you're flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven't used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn't have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of "extraordinary circumstances" but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can't claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you're unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
