Watch: Grounded Before Passover - Greek Airport Strike to Halt All Flights

Thousands of Israeli travelers are facing unexpected disruptions as a nationwide strike in Greece is set to ground all flights for 24 hours on Wednesday, April 9 just days before Passover,

The Greek civil service union ADEDY announced a full-scale walkout, demanding improved working conditions and the reinstatement of 13th and 14th monthly salaries. Crucially, air traffic controllers will join the strike, forcing a complete shutdown of flights in and out of Greece from 00:00 to 23:59.

At stake: 24 scheduled outbound flights from Israel and 25 return flights from Greece, including services by El Al, Israir, Arkia, Blue Bird, Aegean, and TUS Airways. Around 4,000 passengers each way are expected to be impacted.

Athens International Airport confirmed: “No arrivals or departures will take place on April 9 due to the participation of air traffic controllers in the general strike.”

Airlines have occasionally managed to reschedule flights around previous strikes—but the sheer volume of flights and the proximity to the holiday make this time particularly challenging.

Travelers already in Greece may also face disruptions in public transportation and services, with planned mass protests in central Athens.

One can only hope the strike remains confined to this single day, and doesn't spill over into the eve of the holiday or the intermediate days of Passover.

Meanwhile travelers are advised to contact their airlines or travel agents immediately for updated flight information and to consider alternative travel plans if scheduled to fly on April 9.