Published on
November 15, 2025
Greece is experiencing a significant surge in air seat availability this November, with an impressive 11% increase in capacity. This growth is fueled by strong demand from key international markets, particularly the UK, Israel, and Germany, as travelers flock to Greece’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, and picturesque islands. The rise in air seats reflects the country’s continued appeal as a top destination, with both leisure and business travelers eager to explore its offerings during the peak autumn season. The increased flight availability is a direct response to the growing interest in Greek tourism, bolstered by ongoing recovery trends and the desire for European sun and culture.
Greece is witnessing a substantial rise in international travel demand this November, reflecting the country’s growing appeal as a prime travel destination during the shoulder season. Air seat availability for the month has increased by 11.2% compared to 2024, according to the latest report from INSETE, the research arm of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE). This growth underscores the increasing international interest in Greece, not just as a summer hotspot but as a year-round destination.
According to data from the Air Data tracker, a total of 1,357,189 air seats are scheduled for Greece in November 2025, marking a notable increase from last year’s 1,220,293 seats. This growth is especially significant as the November–March period typically sees lower travel volumes. It highlights Greece’s appeal in the off-peak months, allowing travelers to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and historic sites without the crowds of the summer season.
Top Destinations
Athens, Greece’s capital and cultural heart, remains the top destination in the country. With over 1.04 million air seats scheduled for November, Athens has seen an 11.8% increase in capacity year-on-year. This growth emphasizes Athens’ role as not only a cultural hub but also as an essential entry point for travelers visiting Greece. The city’s rich history, vibrant arts scene, and status as a gateway to the Greek islands and mainland make it a perennial favorite for both leisure and business travelers.
Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is another notable destination with significant growth in seat availability. With 193,554 air seats scheduled for November 2025, Thessaloniki has seen an 11% increase in capacity compared to last year. Known for its lively atmosphere, Byzantine history, and culinary delights, Thessaloniki has steadily gained popularity among international tourists, especially those seeking a mix of history, culture, and vibrant city life.
The island of Crete, one of Greece’s most beloved destinations, continues to attract travelers to its scenic shores. Heraklion, Crete’s largest city, has recorded 57,347 air seats for November, reflecting an 8.9% increase from the previous year. While this growth is more modest compared to Athens or Thessaloniki, it still signals a steady demand for Crete, particularly during the shoulder months. Crete’s appeal lies in its unique combination of stunning beaches, ancient archaeological sites, and charming villages.
Rhodes, another iconic Greek island, has also experienced notable growth, with 22,661 seats scheduled for November, marking an 11.8% rise compared to last year. Rhodes is known for its medieval architecture, picturesque towns, and crystal-clear waters, making it a popular choice for those seeking both relaxation and exploration.
Kalamata, located in the southern Peloponnese, has seen the most remarkable growth of any major destination in Greece. With a staggering 55.3% increase in air seat capacity, Kalamata will have 5,843 seats available in November. Known for its beautiful beaches, olive groves, and proximity to ancient sites like Olympia, Kalamata is emerging as an increasingly popular destination for international tourists.
However, some of Greece’s traditional summer destinations have experienced declines in seat availability. Corfu, a popular island known for its lush landscapes and Venetian architecture, saw a 12.9% decrease in air seats this November. Similarly, Kos, a favorite for its beach resorts and ancient ruins, experienced a 9.9% drop in capacity. Chania, located on Crete, saw a 3% decrease in seat availability, while Santorini, one of Greece’s most famous islands, recorded a 12.4% reduction in seats. These declines reflect a broader shift in traveler preferences, with more visitors opting for less traditional or off-the-beaten-path destinations during the shoulder season.
Key International Markets Driving Growth
The surge in air capacity to Greece is largely driven by increased demand from key international markets. Israel leads the way with an impressive 63.8% increase in seat capacity, contributing 70,997 additional seats for November 2025. The growth from Israel is a reflection of stronger bilateral relations and an increasing number of Israelis choosing Greece for both leisure and business trips.
Germany is another key market driving growth, with a 12.5% increase in air seats to Greece, totaling 226,056 seats for November. Germany’s well-established connection with Greece, both for tourism and business, continues to strengthen, making it one of the most reliable source markets for the country. The growing demand for travel to Greece is also evident from Poland, which has seen a 17.5% increase in seat availability, with 34,262 seats scheduled for November.
Austria and Turkey also contributed to the growth, with seat capacity increasing by 13.9% and 8.8%, respectively. Austria’s strong ties with Greece, particularly in the areas of culture and history, have spurred travel, while Turkey’s proximity to Greece and growing regional cooperation continue to foster strong travel flows between the two nations.
On the flip side, some markets have seen declines. The UK, once a leading source of visitors to Greece, has seen a slight reduction of 0.4% in seat availability, while France and the Netherlands also recorded small decreases in air capacity to Greece. The UAE, a historically important market for luxury tourism, saw a significant drop of 30.2% in seat availability, which could be attributed to changing travel preferences and geopolitical factors.
The positive momentum for Greece’s tourism industry is expected to continue into early 2026. The November–March period is forecast to reach 6,326,734 air seats, marking an 11.8% increase compared to 2024. The top source markets for this period are expected to remain Germany, the UK, Italy, Cyprus, and Turkey, which will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping Greece’s tourism landscape.
Greece sees an 11% rise in air seats this November, driven by strong demand from the UK, Israel, Germany, and other key markets, as travelers seek its cultural and scenic offerings during the autumn season.
Overall, the rise in international air seats this November signifies a strong and sustainable recovery for Greece’s tourism sector. The growth in demand reflects the country’s ability to adapt and diversify its offerings, ensuring that Greece remains a top destination for global travelers throughout the year. With continued growth expected into 2026, Greece is set to maintain its position as one of Europe’s most beloved travel destinations.
