Strike in Greece Causes Airport Closures and Travel Delays
On Tuesday, a two day strike by a Greek trade union began, hampering the plans of anyone trying to travel to and from Greece.
The anti-austerity strikes are meant to protest the passage of a controversial economic package, and will involve a 48-hour walkout by public sector workers.
Consequently, government offices, banks, public transport, ferry services, trains and planes will be affected.
Air traffic controllers will take industrial action for four hours in the morning and four hours in the evenings, effectively grounding planes for the duration of the general walkout.
Travellers hoping to escape the mainland by ferry may also find their passage blocked. Piraeus port in Athens will shut down, although latest reports suggest most other ports will remain open.
Public transport including buses and trains will be running minimal to no services.
Visitors stuck in the capital Athens are likely to witness heavy protests as tens of thousands of Greeks are expected to take to the streets to protest against €28 billion of austerity measures.
Greece has been struggling financially for some time, as its economy suffered acutely from the global downturn and the country incurred major national debt. In its worst recession since the 1970s, the youth unemployment rate is over 40 percent and public finances are shattered by a debt equivalent to some 150 percent of gross domestic product.
June is the peak season for tourism in Greece and while the days ahead may be tough for tourists, when travel does start up again, it can mean great deals for budget-seeking vacationers.
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