Strong crosswinds lead to flight chaos in Greece – Ryanair passengers particularly affected
Strong crosswinds over Greece have caused significant disruption to air traffic in recent days, with Ryanair passengers suffering particularly badly. A flight from Brussels-Charleroi to Rhodes had to be diverted to Athens due to dangerous wind conditions. Over 200 passengers were stranded there without assistance, accommodation, or meal vouchers. Travelers reported waiting for hours on the plane and later in the terminal without any information from Ryanair. Numerous Ryanair passengers were also stranded overnight at Rhodes Airport and had to sleep on the floor. They also complained about the airline's complete silence and the lack of basic assistance such as water. While other airlines were also affected by the weather conditions, Ryanair drew heavy criticism for its lack of support. The turbulence coincides with severe turbulence and operational strain at Heraklion Airport on Crete, where crosswinds of over 30 knots led to massive delays and diversions. Pilots struggled to land safely, and the island's entire transport network—from flights to ferries to hotel check-ins—came to a near standstill. Attractions were closed, tours were missed, and local tourism suffered a setback at the start of the peak season. With Heraklion's infrastructure already strained, the weather-related disruptions highlighted growing concerns about Greece's preparedness for increasingly frequent extreme weather events. For stranded passengers, the lack of clear information and support turned planned holidays into an ordeal, particularly for those who relied on airlines like Ryanair, who, according to many affected, felt abandoned.
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