Published on
March 15, 2026
Image generated with Ai
In February 2026, a notable increase of 9.1% was observed by Fraport Greece at their 14 regional airports, where the company received a total of 720,000 passengers, representing a rise of 60,000 more than the previous year’s February period. This increase in the number of passengers is a clear indication of the recovery of the tourism sector in Greece, where the contribution of air transport is vital for the development of the local economy.
Domestic Travel Leads Growth in the Tourism Sector
The majority of this traffic came from domestic travel, with 448,000 passengers, marking a 10.5% year-on-year increase and making up 62% of total traffic for the month. This growth in domestic passengers is a positive indicator for Greece’s local tourism economy, showing that more Greeks are traveling within the country. This rise in domestic tourism has a ripple effect, benefiting local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and attractions, especially in popular cities like Athens, Thessaloniki, and Santorini, which have been major hubs for domestic travel.
As Greece’s tourism industry recovers, domestic travelers are taking advantage of air travel to explore the country’s cultural heritage and scenic landscapes, helping to stimulate growth in regional tourism hubs and small towns that rely heavily on seasonal and domestic visitors.
International Travel Shows Continued Growth
International traffic also saw an uptick, with 272,000 international passengers recorded in February 2026, marking a 6.9% increase compared to the same period last year. The growth in international travelers is a strong indication that Greece remains a top destination for European and global visitors, especially in the wake of the ongoing recovery from the global pandemic.
This increase in international tourism underscores the country’s resilience as a leading European travel destination, particularly for sun-seeking tourists and those exploring Greek culture. Strong performance from markets like Turkey, Sweden, France, and Israel is indicative of Greece’s strong appeal in these regions, while challenges with markets like Germany and Cyprus highlight the dynamic nature of travel trends and the need for continuous marketing efforts.
Thessaloniki Airport Drives Growth in Tourism Traffic
Thessaloniki “Makedonia” Airport stood out as a key driver of growth, with a 7.1% increase in passengers, adding 30,000 additional travelers in February 2026. The airport’s growth reflects the expanding tourism market in Northern Greece, where the rise in visitors has stimulated local economies, especially with increased flights from international markets. Thessaloniki is increasingly becoming a focal point for cultural tourism, business travel, and those seeking access to Macedonian heritage sites and nearby Mount Olympus.
Advertisement
Advertisement
International travelers, particularly from countries like Turkey, Sweden, and Israel, have been flocking to Thessaloniki, contributing significantly to the city’s tourism infrastructure. This trend benefits local businesses, from hotels to tour operators, and highlights Thessaloniki’s growing role in Greece’s broader tourism landscape.
Santorini Airport Sees Strong Recovery
Santorini Airport, one of the top performers in the Fraport Greece network, showed a remarkable 27% increase in passenger traffic compared to February 2025, equating to 7,000 more passengers. The recovery at Santorini, largely driven by domestic travel, marks a return to normalcy after a challenging 2025, where seismic disruptions had affected flight schedules. With these disruptions behind it, Santorini has quickly regained its status as one of the most sought-after tourism hotspots in Greece.
The island, known for its picturesque landscapes, historical sites, and luxury tourism offerings, continues to attract both honeymooners and adventure tourists, with Greek travelers now visiting the island in greater numbers. This is a strong indicator of the island’s tourism resilience, helping to boost both the local economy and hospitality sector in the off-peak season.
Operational Challenges and Their Impact on Growth
Despite operational challenges such as runway closures for Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) infrastructure works, Fraport Greece still recorded impressive traffic growth across the network. Some airports, like Zakynthos, faced extended closures, while others, such as Rhodes and Mykonos, experienced temporary weekly closures. These closures were scheduled well in advance, with previous years experiencing similar disruptions.
Despite these temporary setbacks, the overall traffic continued to rise, demonstrating the resilience of Greece’s tourism sector and the ability to adapt to infrastructure improvements. This resilience is critical for maintaining and enhancing tourism infrastructure in Greece, as improved airport services and infrastructure investments will contribute to a more seamless travel experience for international visitors in the coming years.
The Winter Flight Period and Its Impact on International Travel
Throughout the winter months, international flights remain limited at many of the Fraport Greece airports, with most airports focusing on domestic routes and serving only a reduced number of international destinations. However, Thessaloniki continues to maintain year-round international connectivity, which supports regional tourism from Central Europe and beyond.
This consistent international traffic helps the airport sustain its position as a key player in Greece’s tourism economy, particularly during the traditionally quieter winter months. While Chania and Rhodes handled fewer international flights during the winter, they still played a crucial role in supporting seasonal tourism and local businesses.
Fraport Greece’s Role in Greece’s Growing Tourism Sector
With a total of 1.44 million passengers handled across the 14 airports in the first two months of 2026, Fraport Greece continues to play a pivotal role in driving tourism growth in Greece. This growth reflects the broader tourism recovery in the country, as the rise in passenger traffic directly contributes to increased revenues for local hotels, tour operators, restaurants, and other service industries.
Additionally, the 7.8% increase in aircraft movements reflects an uptick in demand for air travel services, helping to support the aviation sector and facilitating greater connectivity between Greece and its international tourism markets.
A Bright Future for Greece’s Tourism Industry
The positive passenger traffic figures for February 2026 demonstrate a bright future for Greece’s tourism industry. With increasing passenger traffic both locally and internationally, Fraport Greece is poised to contribute to Greece’s economic growth and establish it as a major tourist hub. As Greece continues to grow as a major tourist hub for international travelers, increasing passenger traffic through the airports operated by Fraport Greece will ensure economic benefits for Greece in the future, contributing to economic growth in various regional economies and the hospitality industry.
As Greece continues to grow and improve its tourism industry, it will become a major tourist hub for travelers seeking history, culture, adventure, and luxury in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. With increasing passenger traffic and a focus on improving its infrastructure, Fraport Greece is contributing to a bright and prosperous future for Greece’s tourism industry.
