Return to Athens is hassle-free
Hundreds of thousands of Athenians were yesterday returning to the capital by road, sea and air, but no major traffic problems were reported. More than 124,000 people traveled from Piraeus to various island destinations between Friday and late Monday, Port Authority officials said yesterday, adding that only 12 out of a total of 128 departures were subject to delays The same officials said that most ferries returned to the ports of Piraeus and Rafina around half full (between 40 and 50 percent capacity), having left Piraeus at full capacity. No major problems were reported on the roads or at Athens International Airport. Around 250,000 passengers passed through the airport between Friday and Monday, according to airport managers. Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis, who also ordered the allocation of extra staff at island ports to boost security checks over the long weekend, is expected to announce reforms to the coastal shipping sector in the next few days.
