Air traffic control strike in Greece on 28 August

Update 27 August 2025 – The planned strike by Greek air traffic controllers on 28 August has been cancelled following a court decision. Flights will therefore operate as scheduled, and the previously announced disruption will not take place.

***

On Thursday, 28 August 2025, Greek air traffic controllers will go on strike. The action is part of the nationwide public sector strike by union ADEDY and will take place from 09:30 to 13:30 local time.

All Greek airports will be affected during these hours. Only overflights, VIP flights, military operations and emergency or medical flights will be handled.

“Safety is at risk”

The controllers stress that the strike is not only about working conditions but mainly about safety in Greek airspace. They warn of “systemic failures” and increasing pressure to speed up traffic flows at the expense of safety.

On 20 August, Athens Airport experienced a temporary systems collapse, while capacity often exceeds the safe limit of 34 arrivals per hour.

The union also condemns a new government bill that would criminalise “malicious criticism,” which they see as an attempt to silence warnings about aviation risks.

Ryanair criticises Greek ATC performance

The strike comes on top of ongoing concerns about the performance of Greek air traffic control. Ryanair this week renewed its criticism of the European Commission and called for urgent reforms.

According to the airline, more than 5,000 flights and over 900,000 passengers have already suffered delays in 2025 due to Greek ATC staff shortages and mismanagement.

This places Greece among the five worst-performing countries in Europe for ATC-related delays.

Impact on passengers and their rights

Travellers should expect cancellations and delays on the morning and early afternoon of 28 August.

Since the strike is carried out by air traffic control staff and not by the airlines themselves, passengers are not entitled to EU261 compensation. Airlines are, however, still obliged to provide care, such as meals, drinks, hotel accommodation if necessary, or an alternative flight or ticket refund.