Greek Deputy FM Stranded in Iraq After Iranian Missile Strikes

Monday, 8 June 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Haris Theocharis and 17 other Greek nationals are currently stranded in Iraq following Iranian missile strikes on Israel. Iraq closed its airspace for 72 hours in response to the regional escalation, grounding all flights and preventing departure. The group, which includes government officials and private citizens, is awaiting the reopening of Iraqi airspace before they can return home. For tourists traveling through or connecting via Middle Eastern hubs, this conflict may cause flight disruptions on routes passing through Iraqi, Iranian, or Israeli airspace. Travelers flying between Crete and destinations in the Gulf or Asia should check with their airline for potential rerouting or delays. Heraklion and Chania airports are operating normally. Monitor your airline's communications and allow extra time if your itinerary involves connections through the affected region.