08.12.2025 18:16
Farmers in Greece's Crete Island organized a protest for state subsidies, entering Heraklion Airport and halting air traffic. Clashes occurred with security forces.
In Greece's Crete Island, air traffic was halted after protesters entered the runway area at Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport.
FARMERS STORM AIRPORT IN GREECE
Members of the agricultural sector have been organizing protests across Greece for about a week. According to the Neakriti news site, farmers and livestock breeders heading to Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport confronted security forces stationed in the area early in the morning.
VIOLENT CLASHES WITH POLICE OCCURRED
The police used tear gas and sound bombs to disperse the crowd. After tensions escalated, some protesters breached the police line and entered the runway area. Consequently, airport operations were halted until further notice.
FLIGHTS WERE UNABLE TO LAND
Due to the runway blockage, two flights from Athens and Rhodes to Heraklion had to circle for a while before returning. Airport management and officials reported that efforts were ongoing to remove the protesters from the runway and to resume flights.
Farmers protesting across Greece are occasionally blocking intercity highways and border crossings. They demand the payment of delayed support payments due to allegations of corruption in state incentives and the implementation of regulations to reduce high production costs.