We were on vacation away to Greek islands due to little-known airport rules. Tiktok user NKD Zante revealed in a recent video that there was a “trip from hell from Zante about two days ago.” She said her journey was 4-24 hours later.
The tiktalker challenge is not caused by normal airport disruptions, but a certain rule of Zante, which can turn the end of a holiday into a nightmare. Her flight was intended to be 10pm, but was delayed “literally at 5-10,” the confused traveler said. She explained: “We had to return to arrival and get all our luggage. They took us to the front of the airport and gave us a 15 euro snack voucher for potato chips and more.
“Then they waited another three hours to organize the rest of us and find a place to stay.
“They said they didn't know when our flight would be the next morning and would text us at a new time the next day. But basically, almost everything at Zante Airport closed at 10pm.
“So, if you book a really late flight and for some reason you are delayed past 10pm, they'll delay you until the next day.”
Zakinsos International Airport adopted night flight restrictions decades ago, prioritizing the protection of native loggerhead sea turtles.
These Mediterranean sea turtles frequently visit the island's shores for nesting purposes, and conservation efforts are important in Zakkinsos, a hub for breeding of these endangered species.
The conservation of these beaches is extremely important. Loggerhead sea turtles face serious challenges such as habitat destruction and human disturbances.
Turtles' nocturnal nesting practices are particularly sensitive to interruptions caused by light and noise from aircraft, and have a detrimental effect on breeding.
To minimize interference with the Turtles, Zakynthos Airport implemented a nighttime curfew, limiting flights from sunset to 7am when the turtles were most active.
Other Greek islands are also implementing measures to protect turtles, including restricting access to nesting beaches at night and reducing artificial lighting.
