Posted on December 09, 2008 by Fiona Hilliard

Flights to and from Greece have been cancelled ahead of a 24-hour strike by air traffic controllers. The planned walk-out follows a third night of rioting and protests across various parts of the country.

Airport staff will start striking at 10pm tonight (GMT) as part of a general strike over the government’s economic policies.

No flights will be allowed to fly into or out of Greek airports tomorrow, forcing British Airways to cancel seven flights to Athens and Thessaloniki, while easyjet has cut eight of its routes from British airports.

Both carriers have said they will be offering refunds or rescheduled flights to any passengers affected.

Meanwhile, Olympic Airlines, Aegean Airlines and Thomas Cook Airlines have announced the cancellation of all services to and from Greece tomorrow.

Tomorrow’s strike can only add to the pressures of travellers planning to visit the country, as violent protests are expected to continue into tonight, following the fatal shooting of a 15-year old boy by Greek police.

Streets in Athens have already been closed, while clashes have also spread to Thessaloniki, Patras, Trikala, Ioannina, Corfu, Samos and Crete.

The British Foreign Office is advising travellers to exercise extreme caution in urban areas, especially within Athens, adding that strikes and demonstrations are expected to continue for the rest of December.

Concerned travellers are advised to contact their airline or tour operator for further information.

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