Emirates Now Offers Daily, Direct Flight between U.S. and Greece
As of March 12, 2017, Emirates began daily, direct service from Newark Liberty International (EWR), New York’s “other” airport, to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International (ATH). A win/win for Greece and those wanting to travel to Greece. My friend Gregory Pappas, founder of The Pappas Post, was invited to be a part of the inaugural flight and had nothing but great things to say about the airline, the service, the crew, everyone and everything.
But this post isn’t about rating the quality of the trip, but more so to help spread word about it’s availability.
U.S. carriers are complaining about (and even protesting) this new service, for various reasons – but that’s too bad. Perhaps they should have worried more about the quality of their customer service and less about nickel-and-diming passengers with food and luggage to try and make a buck.
This is a huge win for everyone that wants to travel to Greece. Simple laws of economics state that the more competition there is and the more supply of services, the lower the cost of service will be. Not only that, but Emirates plans this route year-round and not only in the summer (aka high tourist season) – so it should open the door a bit more for Greece and tourism in the “off-season”. And with tourism being responsible for the bulk of Greece’s GDP, this should only make a more positive impact for a country in dire need of financial support.
Sure, some of you are complaining about humanitarian issues with the parent country of the airline, United Arab Emirates, and I completely understand and fully support those causes. However, it shouldn’t be overlooked that Emirates’ entrance into this market will only drive prices down for all flights to Greece. You can still choose to spend your money elsewhere and not give them a dime, if you so choose – but you should still support the availability of this new route to help light a fire under these U.S. carriers.
More options. More tourism for Greece. Cheaper flights.
Kudos to Emirates.
Links
Emirates, Greece, Travel to Greece, USA, Newark, Newark Airport, Athens Airport, EWR, ATH, Flights, Flights to Greece, Tourism, Greek Tourism, New York