African Dust: Images from Santorini, Crete – Flight and Ferry Disruptions

Intense African dust transport has created a suffocating atmosphere in Crete and the Cyclades. Images from Santorini show the Caldera with a blood-red sky and limited visibility.

In Naxos, Santorini, Tinos, and Syros, visibility is significantly reduced. In Crete, areas such as Heraklion, Rethymno, and Chania have been significantly affected.

According to the Director of Research at the National Observatory of Athens, Konstantinos Lagouvardos, airborne particle concentrations are extremely high in Crete, with stations recording concentrations approaching 1,000 micrograms/cubic meter.

Due to low visibility (approximately 200 meters) at Heraklion Airport, seven flight arrivals were redirected and two flights were canceled. In addition, evening ferry routes from Piraeus to Crete will not operate, and a sailing ban is in effect from Lavrio and Rafina.

All schools in Crete will remain closed tomorrow.

Experts recommend caution, especially for vulnerable groups, due to the deteriorated air quality.