Substitute teachers completing this year’s service in schools far from their homes will have significant travel accommodations provided through the state’s partnership with ferry and airline companies.
The Ministry of Education, in cooperation with the Ministry of Shipping and Insular Policy, has secured discounts ranging from 30% to 50% on transportation tickets to facilitate the return of thousands of teachers after the end of the school year.
Discounts on ferry services
Most ferry companies are offering special preferential tariffs for the period 19 June to 3 July 2026, covering both individual tickets and, in several cases, vehicle transport.
Aegean Sea Lines, Attica Group, Dodekanisos Seaways, Fast Ferries, Levante Ferries, Minoan Lines, Seajets and Skyros Shipping are among the companies participating in the programme. The discounts are up to 50%, while in some cases a reduced price is also offered for private cars or two-wheelers.
To take advantage of the offers, the presentation of the ministerial decision or the relevant document certifying the employment of the substitute teacher is required, as well as an identity card.
Discounted air tickets
A similar initiative is being implemented by SKY Express, which is offering a 30% discount on airline tickets for substitute teachers for the 2025-2026 school year.
The offer applies to bookings made until 15 June 2026 and covers flights made until 30 June 2026. Interested parties are invited to fill in the necessary information via the company’s special online form.
Support for teachers serving away from home
Minister of Education Sofia Zacharaki publicly thanked the Ministry of Shipping, the shipping companies and SKY Express for their cooperation, noting that for the first time the discounts cover the entire school year and were announced in time from the beginning of the year.
As highlighted by the ministry, the initiative has contributed substantially to reducing the cost of travel for thousands of substitutes working in remote areas of the country, while there is an intention to continue the cooperation in the next school year.
