Crete airport closed due to farmers strike

Greek farmers used their vehicles to block the aircraft parking area at Iraklion Airport (LGIR/HER) on the island of Crete at 1500 local time (1300 UTC) on 20 January 2009. Protesters reportedly entered the perimeter of the facility and moved tractors and other heavy machinery onto the tarmac, but the runway remained clear. The airport was closed and dozens of flights were canceled as a result of the demonstration. The action was part of a nationwide protest by farmers to demand higher agricultural subsidies and a decrease in fuel taxes. Protesters also used their vehicles to blockade major highways -- including the Athens-Thessaloniki national road -- and secondary motorways in central and northern areas of the country; the drivers also blocked border crossings to Bulgaria.