Tensions are running high in the coastal shipping sector over emergency ferry routes to the Cyclades islands ahead of the anticipated Easter travel rush. At the heart of the conflict are two of the market’s biggest players: the Sea Jets Group and Attica Group.

Sea Jets claims that, responding to requests from Cycladic mayors, shipping agents, and tourism professionals, it proceeded with planning emergency sailings for Holy Thursday, April 17, and Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, to meet the surge in demand. According to the company, all seats on the regular scheduled routes had already sold out, making the addition of extra capacity absolutely necessary.

In a statement, Sea Jets expresses strong indignation over Attica Group’s move to file a complaint with the Ministry of Shipping, seeking the cancellation of bookings and the imposition of sanctions against Sea Jets. The company insists the disputed routes had already been submitted for approval to the Directorate of Maritime Transport (DMT) under an urgent procedure, and that making them public was necessary to properly inform the traveling public in time.

“Attica’s action is not merely an aggressive business maneuver, but a direct sabotage of the social mission of ferry transport and a blow to island connectivity,” notes the Sea Jets Group, accusing the rival company of attempting to stir up confusion among passengers during the holiday period.

Attica Group Denies the Complaint

The development comes at a particularly sensitive time for the industry, where meeting the transportation needs of the islands and maintaining healthy competition are key concerns.

The Ministry of Shipping has yet to officially comment on the complaint, but the unfolding events are being closely watched, as the incident brings to the surface once again the delicate balance within the Greek ferry market.

However, Attica Group denies having submitted any complaint to the Ministry of Shipping regarding the cancellation of Sea Jets’ emergency Easter route.

Specifically, sources from Attica Group told newmoney: “Attica Group never objected to an emergency Easter sailing by Sea Jets. There is no document from Attica Group to the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy opposing an emergency route by Sea Jets – something the relevant ministry departments can confirm.”