BRITISH holidaymakers are set to face major disruption if they are heading to a popular European destination tomorrow.
On October 1, Greece is set to face one of its most disruptive nationwide strikes of the year.
A strike will take place across Greece tomorrow impacting flights, airports, ferries, buses, trains and taxis[/caption]
Around 20,000 Brits are expected to be impacted in total[/caption]
The strike will impact flights, airports, ferries, trains, buses, metros and even taxis across Greece for 24 hours.
Brits travelling to Greece or currently in the country could face delays to flights, cruise departures, island hopping trips and even getting to and from the airport.
The strike is being held by the country’s two largest unions, GSEE and ADEDY, after an announcement of new government labour reforms that are looking to legalise 13-hour workdays.
The reforms would also impose harsher disciplinary action and fines for employees.
As a result of the disruption, between 80 and 90 flights are expected to be affected, impacting around 16,200 Brits.
Airports likely to experience delays include all London airports, Manchester, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol and Glasgow.
Away from flights and airports, a further 5,000 to 7,000 Brits are expected to be impacted via other modes of transport – resulting in around 20,000 Brits being affected in total.
Strikes across different modes of transport will have varying impacts, for example, for cruise passengers, port staff walking out means boarding could be delayed.
And rail services between destinations, such as Athens and Thessaloniki are likely to not run, preventing travellers from getting to different areas of the country.
Hellenic Trains said in a statement: “Hellenic Train informs the passenger public that, due to the participation of railway workers in the 24-hour strike announced by the GSEE, on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, no services will operate on the entire railway network, including the Suburban lines.”
Greek City Times has reported that the Attica Taxi Drivers’ Association will join the strike, meaning there will be no taxi services and ferries and ships will remain docked as well.
The Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) said in a statement: “The Seafarers’ strike is nationwide in all categories of ships and begins on October 1, 2025, Wednesday, starting at 00.01 hours and ending at 24.00 hours on the same day.”
According to gtp Headlines, the Air Traffic Controllers’ Union has also confirmed it will be participating in the strike.
This means that only essential flights will operate tomorrow, which includes emergency, humanitarian, search and rescue and military flights.
Greek airlines such as Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air are offering passengers free ticket changes and voucher options.
The only flights that will be operating are essential flights such as search and rescue[/caption]
Jet2 has also warned its passengers of the strike, with the airline stating: “We are currently monitoring a planned General Strike in Greece that is due to take place on 1st October and may impact Greek Air Traffic Control, local taxi and ferry services.
“Flights operating to/from Greece may be affected during this strike action, however, we are planning to operate all Jet2.com flights as planned so please arrive at the airport on time.
“You don’t need to contact us or take any extra actions – we will continue to monitor this strike action and publish any updates here on our website.”
According to ekathimerini.com, in Athens buses will only run between 9am and 9pm.
As for the metro, lines 1, 2 and 3 and the tram will operate from 9am to 5pm.
GSEE and ADEDY have also organised for a rally to take place in Klafthmonos Square in central Athens, at 11am.
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.
Ryanair has also recently called on all UK passengers to take action after 7,000 people were delayed in one day alone.
Plus, how ‘aircraft swaps’ are costing thousands of passengers a year – with some even missing their holidays.
Some airlines have offered passengers ticket changes or vouchers due to the distruption[/caption]
