Greece/Macedonia: Flights between Athens and Skopje resume November 1

Event

Flights resumed between Athens and Skopje on Thursday, November 1, marking the first such direct flight between Macedonia and Greece since 2003. The Greek carrier Aegean Airlines will operate bi-weekly flights between Athens and Skopje, on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the winter season.

Context

Relations between Greece and Macedonia have improved in recent months. On June 20, the Macedonian parliament ratified the Prespa Agreement with Greece, which would see Macedonia formally change its name to Republic of North Macedonia, from Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The Greek Parliament will also vote on the name-change deal, and the ruling Syriza government has indicated it has enough votes to approve the measure.

The change is intended to end a 27-year-long dispute with Greece over the name and clear the way for Macedonia's entry to the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The name change has been controversial in both Greece and Macedonia, spurring demonstrations in both countries.

Advice

Travelers are advised to confirm the status of their flights prior to departure for the airport and to contact their airline for more information.