The gates of all airports in Greece were opened to direct flights from the United Kingdom on Wednesday, following the gradual lifting of the measures against the coronavirus.
There were no scheduled flights at the Athens international airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” from the UK on Wednesday (yesterday), but seven flights are scheduled for today July 16.
Strict rules are in place, including meticulous observance of hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene practices, the obligatory use of a mask, the observance of distances, the constant and careful cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and areas, especially where there is “contact”, as basic preconditions for the protection of passengers and employees at all airports of the country.
Specifically, the basic rules for passengers on both domestic and foreign flights at all Greek airports are:
Entrance to the airport building is allowed only for people who are travelling and holding a ticket, except for certain exceptions (escorts for minors or the disabled). Protective dividers have been installed at public service points.
The use of a mask is mandatory – already at the entrance to the airport – while everyone must wear it during their stay in the airport.
Passengers may be asked to remove their mask during the security and identity checking process. The use of a mask is also mandatory during boarding and during the flight and it is recommended to change it every four hours.
Employees are equipped with all personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, antiseptic liquid) which they must use throughout their work.
The observance of distances (1.5 metres) should be applied at all times at the airport. Special ground markings, visual instructions on screens and banners will make it easier to maintain distances and there will also be regular audible updates via screens, announcements and markings.
Facilities, machinery, equipment and frequent contact surfaces on the airport premises are regularly cleaned and disinfected with special materials while the airport staff will provide information and supervise the observance of the rules by the passengers.
There are antiseptics available at the airport, as well as in sanitary areas, for use by the passengers at all stages of the travel process, both during departure and arrival. Plastic bins where passengers place their clothes and belongings during the airport security process at the gates are disinfected after each passenger before being used again.
The use of available electronic applications and services is encouraged, both before departure for the airport (web check-in) and inside the airport (web check-in, self check in, baggage tag printing, drop off baggage process, eparking).
Distances must be kept in the airport lounge seats and there are already signs for mandatory vacancies. This will not apply to families and couples. Also, at some airports, where this is possible, there will be a pedestrian transfer of passengers to and from the aircraft.
Finally, regarding flight conditions and other details, passengers should get information from the airlines they are travelling with.
