Crete, Greece – December 9, 2025 For the second time in less than a day, protesting farmers, livestock breeders, beekeepers and fishermen forced the complete suspension of all flight operations at Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport in Iraklio, Crete, on Monday night into Tuesday morning.
The blockade began late Monday and continued until at least 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, resulting in the cancellation of four departing flights from Iraklio and one incoming flight from Athens, according to state broadcaster ERT.
On Monday afternoon, hundreds of protesters managed to breach riot police lines – despite the use of tear gas and stun grenades – and occupied the aircraft parking area and part of the runway. Flights only resumed after 18:00 following safety checks once farmers voluntarily withdrew to avoid further inconvenience to stranded passengers.
The protesters, primarily from the regional units of Iraklio, Lasithi and Rethymno, are demanding immediate payment of delayed EU agricultural subsidies. Approximately 140,000 Greek producers were excluded from this year’s advance basic payments due to discrepancies detected by satellite mapping. Although the Greek Payment Authority of Common Agricultural Policy Aid Schemes (OPEKEPE) temporarily reopened its online platform for appeals, farmers complain that processing times remain unclear and unacceptably long.
Tractor blockades on major highways across Crete and mainland Greece continue into their second week.
The airport reopened shortly after 11:00 Tuesday after farmers lifted the blockade, but protest leaders warned they are prepared to return unless the government presents concrete solutions.
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