Athens International Airport
Athens Airport has become one of Europe’s busiest, handling a record 31.8 million passengers in 2024. This figure marks a 13.1% year-on-year increase, showcasing the airport’s remarkable growth since the pandemic. Compared to 2019, the airport’s passenger numbers have surged by an impressive 24.5%, one of the highest growth rates among capital city airports in Europe.
As Greece’s major airport, Athens handles 40% of the country’s total air traffic. Its fast-growing international market drives much of this success, accounting for 70% of total traffic, with an impressive 15.7% year-on-year growth. Meanwhile, the domestic market, which serves 10 million passengers annually, also contributed significantly, growing 7.3% compared to 2023.
Athens Airport benefits from a diverse and growing airline network. Aegean Airlines, the country’s strong and reliable home carrier, continues to play a key role in its success, along with the rapid expansion of Sky Express, another Greek airline. In addition, 27 major low-cost and hybrid carriers operate at the airport, forming part of a total of 68 airlines serving 157 destinations worldwide. In 2024 alone, the airport added 4.5 million additional seats, six new destinations, six new airlines, and 26 additional services and a substantial number of additional frequencies on already existing routes.
According to passenger surveys, 6.4 million Greek travelers flew to international destinations in 2024, while 7.9 million foreign visitors arrived in Athens, marking a 12% increase, and reinforcing the city’s status as a major tourism hub. Connecting traffic through Athens also saw an 8.5% year-over-year increase. In parallel O&D traffic is further strengthening its position both on direct and one-stop services.
Athens has a well-established long-haul network, particularly to North America, with flights to New York (JFK and EWR), Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, Washington, Philadelphia, Toronto, and Montreal. In 2025, this network will expand further with the addition of Charlotte by American Airlines and Los Angeles by Norse Atlantic Airways. Beyond North America, Athens’ strategic position as a bridge between East and West presents unique opportunities for further expansion into the Asian market. The airport already offers nonstop services to Singapore and China, along with charter flights to South Korea.
One of Athens Airport’s biggest achievements is the significant extension of the travel season. In a country where tourism traditionally peaks in summer, the airport has implemented targeted policies, marketing strategies, and incentive programs to drive growth year-round, particularly in the off-peak months.
With a record-breaking year behind it and ambitious expansion plans, Athens International Airport is cementing its status as a premier gateway for global travelers.
Tourism Board Info
Tourism in Athens, Greece: A Thriving Destination for Airline Route Developers
Athens, the historic heart of Greece, remains one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, drawing travelers with its unique blend of ancient heritage and modern vibrancy. As the cradle of Western civilization, the city offers an unparalleled experience, where iconic landmarks, cultural richness, and a thriving contemporary atmosphere coexist. For airline route developers, Athens presents a strategic opportunity to capitalize on cultural, leisure and business travel.
Home to legendary monuments such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens captivates millions of visitors each year. The city’s deep historical roots provide an immersive journey through time, with world-class museums, archaeological sites, and guided experiences that bring Greece’s past to life. Beyond its historic treasures, Athens boasts a dynamic urban scene, from lively nightlife and trendy neighborhoods to a flourishing gastronomy landscape, making it a year-round destination appealing to a diverse range of travelers.
In recent years, Athens has experienced substantial growth in its tourism sector. Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) serves as the primary gateway to the Greek islands and the broader Mediterranean region, supported by a strong infrastructure that accommodates millions of passengers annually. Its close proximity to the city center and well-developed transportation network further enhances Athens’ attractiveness as a prime global destination.
For airlines, Athens represents a market with increasing demand for new routes, particularly to Asia, the Middle East, and North America. With a steadily growing tourism industry and its position as a key cultural and business hub, the city offers significant potential for expanding direct flight connections.
With a thriving year-round tourism market and rising global connectivity, Athens stands out as a premier choice for airline route developers looking to expand successfully their network and tap into Greece’s flourishing travel industry.
