British tourists poised for travel chaos in Greece | Travel News | Travel

Brits are set for Greece travel chaos as air traffic controllers join a nationwide strike.

The action is due to take place on February 28 as workers seek justice for 57 victims of the Tempe train crash two years ago.

During the industrial action, staff will only handle essential flights.

These include medical evacuations, search and rescue operations, humanitarian aid deliveries, military aircraft, and others.

Commercial passenger flights are predicted to be disrupted, if not entirely cancelled, the Independent reports.

The train crash behind members’ strike action was a head-on collision between a freight train and a passenger train.

It happened on February 28, 2023, and the incident exposed safety shortcomings in safety equipment.

Greece’s transport minister resigned, but the official handling of the disaster has been criticised since.

Public anger has been displayed over delays to an inquiry, and the government has had to strongly deny accusations of a cover up.

It has been alleged that the freight train was carrying dangerous chemicals, and that these then ignited, leading to a fatal fire. 

Many of those who perished were university students going back to classes after a public holiday. 

Last month, large-scale protests were held, urged on by relatives of victims.

Industrial action stopped trains and ferries in protests, with the strike timed to coincide with the anniversary of the crash.

Public transport services in Athens were also affected, as unions demanded wage controls imposed between 2010 and 2018 were dismantled.

In addition, farmers and university students have taken part in anti-government protests recently.

Flights were not affected by recent walk-outs, however, after a court declared that previous protest plans by air traffic controllers were illegal.