From the scene at Athens’ Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport this afternoon, it appears to be almost a normal August this year, with summer in full swing — or as close that as we are going to come to that, this exceptional year of the coronavirus.
Although the number of tourists visiting Greece is only a fraction of what the Mediterranean country is used to, the Athens airport seems to be finding some of its old summer glory.
Walking through the terminal, passengers are making their way as they normally do to their gates, dressed for fun and relaxation on the Greek islands as they usually are during the summer. The only difference is that now everybody is wearing masks.
Despite the increased numbers of coronavirus detections throughout the country in the past weeks, causing the national health authorities to place curfews on the island of Poros, and banning even standing at bars and other entertainment venues, Greece is getting through the summer tourist season the only way it knows how.
It is opening all the doors it can in the hospitality sector which is so very vital to the country — while trying to make sure everything is done according to the strictest possible standards for health protection. However, as seen in the photos in some instances it is impossible to keep distance among passengers, such as at security lanes or inside the plane.
Just some scenes showing a walk through the airport this beautiful, sunny afternoon will show you all the activity going on there today as Greeks, and the few tourists that dared to visit Greece, still head out to the islands for their essential vacation time.
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