Greece is one of Europe's top holiday destinations, with Athens, Thessaloniki, and dozens of island airports handling enormous seasonal traffic. Aegean Airlines and its subsidiary Olympic Air operate alongside a huge number of charter and budget carriers. For passengers disrupted on flights from Greek airports, the system offers a favourable time limit and a functional enforcement framework.
Time limit
Greece applies a five-year limitation period from the date of the flight. This is one of the more generous time limits in Europe, giving passengers ample time to discover and pursue their rights, particularly useful for holiday disruptions that passengers may not initially think to claim for.
The Greek enforcement body: HCAA
The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) is Greece's national enforcement body for EC261. Complaints can be filed through their website or by email. The HCAA investigates complaints and contacts the airline. The process is available in Greek and English.
While the HCAA does not have the power to order airlines to pay compensation directly, it can impose fines on airlines that systematically refuse valid claims. Its involvement is often enough to prompt settlement.
Consumer protection
The Greek Consumer Ombudsman (Synigoros tou Katanaloti) can also handle flight compensation complaints. This service is free and provides mediation between passengers and airlines. It is an additional channel beyond the HCAA and can be useful when the enforcement body alone does not resolve the issue.
Greek courts
For small claims, the Eirinodikeio (Magistrates' Court) handles disputes up to EUR 20,000, covering all EC261 compensation amounts. Legal representation is not mandatory for amounts under EUR 12,000. Court proceedings are in Greek, so non-Greek speakers will need a translator. Filing fees are proportional to the claim amount but remain modest.
Island airport claims
Disruptions on flights to and from Greek islands are very common during peak season due to high traffic volumes and limited airport infrastructure. These are operational issues, not extraordinary circumstances. Airlines cannot use busy island airports as an excuse to avoid compensation.
Seasonal disruptions and weather verification
Greece has distinctive seasonal weather patterns that affect flights. The Meltemi winds (strong northerly winds in the Aegean Sea) blow from June through September and can disrupt operations at island airports, particularly smaller ones like Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, and Naxos. These winds are a known annual phenomenon, and courts may question whether airlines should plan for them. Winter storms affect mainland airports, though less severely than in northern Europe.
To verify weather claims, use the EMY (Hellenic National Meteorological Service), which publishes weather bulletins and warnings. For island airports, local weather station data can confirm whether conditions were genuinely extraordinary or just typical Aegean summer weather.