A flight from Sweden landed on Rhodes on Thursday, despite not being on the list of “green light” countries, whose residents are allowed to enter Greece.
Initial reports stated that the flight had a special licence to land, as it transported journalists and tourism agents, in order to see the protocols and health mandates that have been put in place by the Greek government.
However, passengers from the airplane claimed that they came to Greece for holidays.
Tourism Minister Haris Theocharis, spoke about the issue on MEGA, stressing that the flight had a special licence, everyone is being tested and there is no question of safety.
He said that TUI executives and journalists were on board the plane. "We are doing this to promote the country. Indeed, a large part of the flight, about 30% to 40%, was for TUI journalists and executives to come and see how things work to promote tourism."
However, he did not explain who made up the remaining 60% of passengers in question.
It is recalled that earlier this week, Greece extended its ban on flights from the UK and Sweden until July 15.
The decision was made during a meeting held at Maximos Palace on Monday, chaired by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. He reportedly said: “The whole opening procedure is dynamic and the data will be continuously evaluated.”
