Greek air traffic controllers threaten 24-hour strike this week

Greek air traffic controllers are threatening to walk out in a 24-hour strike on Wednesday, threatening flight disruption on the approach to Easter.

The industrial action has been called by public sector union Adedy, despite Greek courts ruling that it is unlawful for controllers to strike.

The only flights allowed to land will be medical, search and rescue, humanitarian aid, military and emergency services.

The union is demanding reinstatement of two-month annual bonuses for public workers – half a month at Easter, half a month in the summer and a full month at Christmas – that were abolished under previous austerity measures in Greece.

A strike in February also grounded flights for a day but the latest action comes as the spring tourism season is seeing more arrivals.

Greek carriers Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air are proactively offering passengers due to fly on Wednesday free flight changes and credit vouchers if they cancel.

However, Aegean added: “The participation of air traffic controllers in the strike may be suspended following a decision by relevant court of law. 

“Until then, and while waiting for the relevant decision there will be no changes on the Aegean and Olympic Air flight schedules.”