Greece on the Brink: Farmers Explosive Protests Bring Airports, Roads, and Borders to a Halt Over Furious Funding Disputes!

Published on December 9, 2025

The ongoing protests in Greece, led by frustrated farmers, have created significant disruption for travelers across the country. Sparked by delayed funding and a major corruption scandal, these protests have escalated into violent clashes, road blockades, and even airport shutdowns. Tourists and business travelers are feeling the impact, with air travel and border crossings heavily affected, especially during the busy holiday season. As Greece grapples with agricultural struggles, the protests show no sign of easing, leading to potential long-term consequences for both the agricultural sector and the tourism industry.

Protests and Travel Disruptions Across Greece

On Monday, Greece saw large-scale demonstrations from farmers, who took to the streets in protest over funding delays and the country’s ongoing economic difficulties. The farmers, who have been waiting for overdue EU aid, caused major disruptions by blocking roads, border crossings, and even airports. With thousands of tractors and trucks involved, the protests have created widespread chaos, particularly for travelers trying to get through the country.

The most notable impact was at Heraklion Airport on the island of Crete, where protesters stormed the runway, throwing rocks at police officers and halting air traffic. This sudden interruption of flights caused delays and cancellations, significantly affecting tourists and those traveling for business. The protesters’ frustration boiled over as they clashed with police, leading to the temporary suspension of operations at key travel hubs.

At Chania Airport, also on Crete, further violence occurred when farmers used shepherd’s crooks and stones to smash police vehicle windows, escalating the tensions. The police responded with tear gas, and authorities have vowed to pursue charges against those responsible for the damage. For travelers, this sudden eruption of violence has made navigating airports and public transport across Greece a challenging ordeal.

Economic Hardships Driving the Protests

The protests are rooted in economic difficulties facing Greek farmers, exacerbated by a 600 million euro funding shortfall and a corruption scandal. The scandal, which involved farmers and state employees fraudulently claiming subsidies by faking land ownership, has severely delayed vital payments. This delay in aid has created financial strain on farmers who are already grappling with the effects of climate change and the sheep pox outbreak, which has led to the culling of hundreds of thousands of sheep and goats.

Farmers have voiced their frustration, not only with the delayed payments but also with the corruption within the system that has unfairly diverted resources. As they struggle to maintain their livelihoods, these factors have fueled protests across the country, impacting travelers who are caught in the chaos.

Impact on Air Travel and Border Crossings

As the protests continue, travelers should be prepared for more disruptions, particularly in the run-up to the holiday season. Heraklion Airport on Crete was one of the hardest-hit locations, with flights grounded and travelers stranded. Many international tourists and business travelers found themselves unable to proceed with their trips, as the airport came to a standstill. The unrest at Chania Airport also led to service disruptions, with travelers unable to reach their destinations in a timely manner.

The protests have also affected land travel, particularly at Promachonas and Kipi border crossings, which connect Greece with Bulgaria and Turkey, respectively. The farmers’ blockades forced authorities to restrict traffic, allowing only passenger vehicles and trucks with sensitive goods to cross, further complicating travel plans for both locals and tourists. For those attempting to drive across borders, delays and detours are inevitable, and travelers are advised to stay updated on the status of the crossings.

Government Response and Travel Advice

In response to the protests, the Greek government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has urged farmers to end their blockades and has pledged to address the payment delays. The government has promised to release 3.7 billion euros to farmers in 2025, though many farmers continue to demand action over the corruption scandal. Mitsotakis has also called for open dialogue between the government and the farming community, but the protests show no sign of abating.

For travelers, this ongoing situation has created significant uncertainty. Airlines are continuing to cancel and delay flights, and travelers heading to or from Greece should monitor flight statuses regularly. Those relying on land transport are advised to check border-crossing statuses before their journey to avoid being caught in delays.

The Ongoing Struggles and Their Long-Term Impact on Tourism

The protests have caused disruptions to tourism, a key pillar of the Greek economy. Greece’s rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant cities draw millions of visitors each year, and the country has long been a favorite travel destination for international tourists. However, as farmers continue to block roads and disrupt air and sea travel, the country’s tourism industry is feeling the strain. The protests and ongoing disruptions could lead to a decrease in the number of tourists visiting Greece during the holiday season, especially for those with tight travel schedules.

Tourists visiting Greece will need to be prepared for longer wait times, possible cancellations, and general delays in transport. It is also advisable to check with tour operators and hotels for updated information regarding transport availability and travel routes. Given the scale of the protests, travelers may want to consider postponing trips or adjusting their itineraries.

Looking Toward Resolution

As the protests continue, both farmers and government officials will need to find common ground to resolve the ongoing issues. The farmers are calling for swift action not only to release the delayed funding but also to ensure that the corruption scandal is addressed, and that the agricultural system becomes fairer and more sustainable in the future.

For the tourism sector, it remains to be seen how quickly the situation can be resolved. While the government is committed to restoring order, the immediate impact on travel and tourism cannot be ignored. As the country grapples with these protests, travelers heading to or from Greece should remain informed and flexible to mitigate the disruptions caused by the ongoing unrest.

Conclusion: Protests and Travel Disruption in Greece

The protests in Greece, driven by funding delays and a corruption scandal, have created significant disruption in the country’s transportation networks. With airports, border crossings, and roads affected, travelers are facing serious challenges when navigating the country. While the government is working to address the financial issues and resolve the situation, the impact on air travel and tourism remains ongoing.

Travelers heading to Greece should stay informed about the situation, monitor their flights and border crossings, and be prepared for potential delays. The ongoing protests serve as a reminder of the complex relationship between economic hardship, government action, and the broader impact on the travel industry.

[Source: Reuters]