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Flights to and from a popular Greek holiday island had to be cancelled earlier this week because the only air traffic controller was side-lined with lower back pain.

The employee, who doubles as the only civil protection officer for the airport on the island of Milos, tried to work through the pain but had to leave his post and go to hospital for treatment. 

Because it was impossible for him to continue his shift and there was no one else who could fill in, flights between Milos and Athens were grounded while airport officials had to scramble to find a replacement.

Grounded: Flights between Milos and Athens were cancelled because the only air traffic controller was ill

It wasn't an easy solution, however, because the replacement employee had to fly in from Athens and the plane couldn't land with no one manning the control tower. 

Airport officials were waiting for the injured employee to be released from hospital and return to the control tower so the plane could land.

Chaos broke out in the airport because of the unusual disruption, according to the Greek Reporter.

Breath-taking: Tourists flock to Milos to sunbathe on its picturesque beaches and swim in crystal blue water

The disruption came at the peak of the busy summer travel season as tourists flock to the volcanic island in the Aegean Sea for its breath-taking beaches and ancient history.

Tourists were forced to spend at least one extra day on the island while flights were grounded, although it may not have been a major inconvenience given the stunningly beautiful surroundings.

In addition to visitors, the airport services about 5,000 people who live on the island, located 115 miles south of Athens.