Farmers across the country, who have set up roadblocks nationwide, are demanding the immediate payment of subsidies and compensation, the establishment of minimum guaranteed prices reflecting the real cost of production, reductions in operating costs through tax-free fuel and a 7 cent/kWh ceiling on rural electricity, and a radical reform of the Hellenic Agricultural Insurance Organisation (ELGA) so that it compensates 100 per cent of production and capital losses from all risks.
Farmers in Crete had announced that their local mobilisation would begin today.
Farmers block Heraklion airport runway as Chania protesters overturn patrol car
Agricultural protests in Crete escalated sharply, with hundreds of farmers occupying Heraklion’s Nikos Kazantzakis Airport. Around 500 protesters reached the runway, forcing a complete suspension of operations and the cancellation of scheduled flights. Aircraft arriving from Athens and Rhodes were compelled to return. Earlier, attempts to block the airport triggered intense clashes marked by stone-throwing, the use of chemicals, the removal of riot police cages and severe disruption to road traffic, with passengers forced to reach the airport on foot.
A similar situation unfolded in Chania, where farmers blocked the I. Daskalogiannis Airport, clashed with riot police, overturned a patrol car and pushed the police forces back.
The protests are now peaking across Crete, after the occupation of both the Nikos Kazantzakis and I. Daskalogiannis airports. In Heraklion, local media reported that around 500 farmers reached the runway, resulting in a total suspension of operations until further notice. Negotiations to remove the protesters are under way, while about ten scheduled flights have been cancelled. One aircraft from Athens was forced to hold before returning, and a flight from Rhodes also returned to its departure airport.
Initially, access to the airport was blocked by riot police cages on Senetaki Avenue and Ikarou Street. After hours of tension, stone-throwing and the deployment of chemicals, the cages were removed and the farmers advanced inside the airport, with one group breaking through the cordon and reaching the runway.
The roadblocks caused extensive traffic disruption on the Northern Road Axis of Crete (BOAK) and throughout Heraklion, including Nea Alikarnassos, Katsambas, Poros and the city centre. Passengers attempting to travel were forced to walk to the terminal with their luggage, as no vehicles could pass the blockades.
The president of the Heraklion Union, Stavros Gavalas, stated: ‘The government sowed the wind and will reap the storm.’
In Chania, farmers and livestock breeders also moved to block the I. Daskalogiannis Airport. Protesters gathered at the Souda junction and advanced towards the airport gate at midday. Although police initially allowed passengers through, clashes soon followed. Police forces attacked protesters with chemicals, batons and stun grenades. Farmers responded with stone-throwing and chasing, and overturned a patrol car.
Video by Orange Press Agency shows the moment riot police retreat.
By around 2pm, farmers had succeeded in blocking access to the airport. According to ERT Chania, the situation remained tense, and there were reports of an injured police officer.
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