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Greek Farmer Protests Shut Crete Airports as Clashes With Police Intensify

Farmers say an EU fraud probe has frozen subsidies they rely on.

Farmers overturn a police vehicle during clashes with officers blocking their march to Chania's airport on Crete, Greece, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, amid protests over delayed EU farm subsidies. (AP Photo/Giannis Angelakis)
Farmers throw stones at police during clashes with officers blocking their march to Chania's airport on Crete, Greece, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, amid protests over delayed EU farm subsidies. (AP Photo/Giannis Angelakis)
Farmers gather next to an overturned police vehicle during clashes with officers blocking their march to Chania's airport on Crete, Greece, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, amid protests over delayed EU farm subsidies. (AP Photo/Giannis Angelakis)
Police use tear gas against farmers during clashes with officers blocking their march to Chania's airport on Crete, Greece, Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, amid protests over delayed EU farm subsidies. (AP Photo/Giannis Angelakis)

Overview

  • Dozens of farmers breached the apron at Heraklion International Airport, forcing a suspension of all flights as demonstrations over delayed EU payments escalated.
  • At Chania airport, riot police used tear gas as protesters hurled rocks, smashed police vehicles and overturned a patrol car, with local reports citing two injuries.
  • State TV ERT reported that protesters later allowed limited operations, including some landings at Heraklion and time-windowed departures from Chania.
  • Nationwide actions continued with thousands of tractors blocking roads and disrupting freight at border crossings such as Promachonas and Kipi.
  • Roughly €600 million in EU farm subsidies are on hold during an EPPO-led fraud investigation that has triggered arrests and resignations, while Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urged blockades to end and pledged significant payments by the end of December.