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Holiday Turbulence: Flight Delays Hit Major Canadian Airports on Boxing Day

  Passengers wait in a check-in line at Vancouver International Airport after a snowstorm crippled operations during the holidays in 2022.   Travelers across Canada are facing a challenging Boxing Day as major airports report widespread delays and cancellations triggered by winter weather and heavy post‑holiday traffic. With thousands of passengers returning home or heading out for year‑end vacations, the timing couldn’t be more disruptive. Toronto Pearson, the country’s busiest airport, is experiencing the most significant impact. A mix of snow, freezing drizzle, and strong winds has slowed de‑icing operations and reduced runway capacity. Long lines at security and check‑in counters are adding to the congestion, with some travelers reporting wait times stretching beyond an hour. Ottawa, Montreal, and Vancouver airports are also dealing with delays, though to varying degrees. In Eastern Canada, Halifax is managing a combination of fog and residual holiday traffic, while air...
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Drones Patrol Greek Beaches to Tackle Sunbed Overcrowding


Greek beaches, once synonymous with sunbed-covered shores, are now witnessing a crackdown enforced by drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles are on a mission to restore order and combat overcrowding caused by unauthorized sunbeds and umbrellas.

Overcrowding and Unauthorized Businesses

In recent years, Greek public beaches have fallen victim to fly-by-night businesses that set up sunbeds and umbrellas without proper permits. These establishments charge beachgoers for services while encroaching on public spaces. Locals have grown increasingly frustrated, leading to citizen-led movements like “The Beach Towel Movement” and “Free Beaches for All.”

The Drone Solution: Enforcing New Legislation 

To address this issue, the Greek government introduced legislation in March. Drones now patrol popular beaches, including those on the Athens Riviera, Mykonos, Santorini, and Corfu. Their mission? Detecting illegally placed sunbeds and umbrellas. Citizens also assist by using the MyCoast digital app to report violations.

Legal Requirements and Fines 

The new law mandates that Greek beaches must be 70% sunbed-free (or 85% in protected areas). Violators face hefty fines. For instance, a business operating without a license on Thymari beach received a €220,000 penalty—an hour’s drive south of Athens.

Balancing Tourism and Environment 

Greek Minister of National Economy and Finance Kostis Hatzidakis emphasizes the need to protect both the environment and citizens’ right to free beach access. By enforcing rules, Greece aims to preserve its pristine coastlines while supporting responsible entrepreneurship.

In summary, drones are now the guardians of Greek beaches, ensuring that sunbeds don’t crowd out the natural beauty that draws tourists from around the world. 

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