Striking taxi drivers in Crete have caused disruption to passengers seeking to fly out of the island.

Protests continued outside of the main Iraklion Airport, with hundreds of taxi owners blockading buses from entering the airport to service arriving and departing passengers.

More seriously, central Greece saw protesters block off a national highway leading to the Rio-Antirio Bridge connecting southern and central Greece, effectively cutting the country in two.

“Greek police at Iraklion Airport in Crete used teargas during a demonstration by taxi drivers outside the airport. Visitors are advised to exercise caution when using the airport and to follow advice given by their tour operators,” warned the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) in a statement.

Protestors are angry about renewed austerity efforts in Greece, with government officials seeking to cut record budget deficits.

With the key summer holiday season approaching, transport minister Giannis Ragkousis met with protestors in an attempt to quell demonstrations.

However, the government has failed to resolve a dispute over proposed reforms in the sector.

“Visitors should expect regular strikes and demonstrations,” added the FCO.

“These are sometimes called at short notice and can cause disruption to public transport in and out of Greece - including air travel and ports.”