Greece: Brace Yourself For More Flight Interruptions

All Greek Airports Affected

Another week of flight delays, cancellations and re-scheduling across Greece. This time on October 8th and 9th, the air traffic controllers (ΕΕΕΚΕ) are joined by the flight radar and electrical engineers (ENIMAEK) to take strike action. Together they will close down Greece’s airports critically for 4hrs between 0800hrs and 1200hrs each strike day.  All domestic and foreign flights affected.

Regarding the Air Traffic Controllers Union

For the Greek Air Traffic Controllers Association  - GATCA , (in Greek - EEEKE) this is the latest strike action and is part of a series of planned strikes. Over 600 controllers earn some of the higher paid salaries in Greece - said to be  in the region of €3,000 a month. The salaries come from the European Union organisation responsible for airspace - Eurocontrol (The European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation).  

Greek Airport
Ground Radar Installation

Association of Electrical Engineers for Air Traffic Safety Grievances 

The Association of Electrical Engineers for Air Traffic Safety (ENIMAEK) said the stoppages are in response to unpaid wages and outstanding payments that the Greek Ministry of Transport owes. The association comprises the professionals who provide the out of sight aeronautical and communications safety at Greece’s airports. Ironically, ENHMAEK are still headquartered at the old Athens Ellinikon Airport, now under re-development to other uses. ENIMAEK was founded in 1956.

As you can imagine a key strike interruption at peak hours in the day causes immense disruption to the airlines as no flights are allowed to land or take off during the strike periods. 

The use of the word “Association” euphemistically means Union in these two cases serving the Hellenic aviation sector. 

The EEEME  and ENIMAEK  unions joint strike action, unless withdrawn at the last minute will be in effect on Wednesday and Thursday between 8am and 12noon on both days, October 7th and 8th.  

Travellers Advice: Contact Your Airline As Soon As Possible

If you have flights before and after the committed strike hours check with your airline if your flight has been delayed, re-scheduled or cancelled.

NB:  Greek Names of the two Airport Workers unions involved in the strike action 

• - Greek Air Traffic Controllers Association (GATCA) formal name in Greek is: Ένωσης Ελεγκτών Εναέριας Κυκλοφορίας Ελλάδας (EEEKE), 
• - Association of Electrical Engineers for Air Traffic Safety (ENIMAEK) formal name in Greece is: Ένωση Ηλεκτρονικών Μηχανικών Ασφάλειας της Εναέριας Κυκλοφορίας (ENIMAEK)