Top court to consider Elliniko project approval

Greece's top administrative court will consider on January 29 whether to give the go-ahead for a luxury resort project on the plot of a disused Athens airport, which is a key part of the government's privatization program.

Progress on the project, which has been beset by delays, is being watched by Greece's creditors as a test of Athens's commitment to privatization under its multi-billion-euro international bailout.

Property developer Lamda signed a 99-year lease with the state in 2014 to convert 620 hectares of wasteland at the former Elliniko airport into a complex of luxury residences, hotels, a yachting marina and casinos.

Athens has struggled to fast-track the project, partly due to opposition from groups that fear it will damage the environment and local cultural heritage.

Lamda, backed by Chinese and Gulf funds, submitted its 8-billion-euro...