Travel companies are in the starting blocks for the weekend when Swedish flights are now allowed to travel to Greece. And the planes are almost fully booked.
On July 22, it was once again free for flights from Swedish airports to go to Greece, which was clear last week. This weekend, several charter flights are heading to the promised land of tzatziki, but one flight took off already on Thursday.
”"Today's departure from Arlanda to Rhodes was fully booked," says Linda Netterström, press spokesperson for the travel company Tui.
But Tui is flying to Greece with significantly reduced capacity. Linda Netterström estimates that they are operating at one-tenth of their normal capacity.
”"We have departures from Arlanda to Rhodes and Crete. From Landvetter, flights to Rhodes depart tomorrow, Friday," she says.
Normally, it feels like every little island in the Greek archipelago has an airport and hotel ready to welcome tourists. But tour companies Tui, Ving and Apollo have all reduced the number of destinations. With Apollo, you can now only go to Rhodes, Crete and Parga.
”"It has been a tough spring and summer with planning. Some destinations have completely disappeared due to capacity. We have seen that many smaller islands may lack access to important healthcare and so we have chosen to rebook those destinations," says Erika Butterworth, Sweden Manager at Apollo.
Their first flights depart on Friday and then this weekend, even then only from Landvetter and Arlanda. But despite the reduced number of destinations, both Apollo, Ving and Tui are noticing a great desire to travel among Swedes.
”"On summer trips, we notice that eight out of ten trips are now booked," says Fredrik Henriksson, head of communications and sustainability at the airline Ving, which in turn also flies from Malmö down to Greece.
The travel companies also point out that it may be a slightly different stay than normal due to the current corona pandemic. Among other things, the food supply may be a little scarcer, and then it is important to wear a face mask in some places.
”"We have been a little late out of the starting blocks to be able to get the new routines required in place. It's all about ensuring distance to transfer buses to reducing the risks with food handling," says Fredrik Henriksson.
Ving, Tui and Apollo are all closely monitoring the coronavirus situation. Tui and Ving are hoping to expand capacity ahead of the autumn season, but stress that changes can come quickly. And many travelers who stayed home this year seem to be thinking far ahead.
”Sales for our summer 2021 trips that we have now released have almost doubled compared to the same period last year,” says Fredrik Henriksson.
Another important thing to keep in mind for Swedish travelers going to Greece is that they must fill out entry documents before the trip. This is something that travel companies inform about in the tickets.
”"I usually say that it is now extra important to read up before the trip. Otherwise, you may not be allowed on the plane at all," says Erika Butterworth at Apollo.
