Published on
April 11, 2026

As the Easter 2026 season is approaching, SKY express, which received the title of “Airline of the Year 2025,” as per the European Regions Airline Association (ERA), continues its tradition of carrying the Holy Light throughout Greece. This religious and cultural festival is highly influential in stimulating tourism throughout the country. With locals and foreigners visiting Greece in order to enjoy their unique traditions, this festival is considered one of the main contributors to the growth in tourism during the Easter season. SKY express will be assisting in bringing the Holy Light to seven other cities of Greece from Athens.
Connecting Greece’s Regions: A Boost for Local Tourism
The Holy Light, a key symbol of Greek Easter traditions, will arrive at Athens International Airport “El. Venizelos” on Holy Saturday via a government flight from Jerusalem. From there, SKY express will take the flame to Alexandroupoli, Heraklion, Corfu, Chania, Mytilene, Rhodes, and Santorini on scheduled flights. This effort ensures that even the most remote corners of Greece are part of the Easter celebrations, strengthening the nation’s religious tourism appeal.
For Greek tourism, this transport of the Holy Light is more than just a religious gesture—it has a profound economic and cultural impact. With thousands of domestic and international travellers visiting Greece during Easter to witness the Holy Light’s arrival, this annual tradition contributes significantly to the tourism industry by increasing hotel bookings, restaurant visits, and other local services. It not only drives religious tourism but also promotes the cultural significance of the Greek Orthodox Easter to a global audience.
SKY Express Flight Schedule for the Holy Light Transport
SKY express has scheduled the following flights for the transport of the Holy Light, connecting Athens to key destinations across Greece:
| Flight | Route | Time |
|---|---|---|
| GQ294 | Athens – Alexandroupoli | 20:30 – 21:45 |
| GQ216 | Athens – Heraklion | 20:55 – 21:45 |
| GQ274 | Athens – Corfu | 20:30 – 21:35 |
| GQ256 | Athens – Chania | 21:10 – 22:05 |
| GQ304 | Athens – Mytilene | 20:15 – 21:20 |
| GQ284 | Athens – Rhodes | 20:35 – 21:35 |
| GQ356 | Athens – Santorini | 20:20 – 21:15 |
These flights not only ensure the timely arrival of the Holy Light at destinations across Greece, but they also showcase how SKY express is playing a role in enhancing Easter tourism by providing seamless connectivity across the country during one of the busiest and most sacred times of the year.
Strengthening Tourism Across Greece’s Regions
With SKY express facilitating the Holy Light’s transport, the airline is reinforcing the connection between religious tourism and regional growth. For cities like Heraklion and Santorini, known for their rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes, the Holy Light offers an opportunity to attract religious tourists and local pilgrims. Visitors flock to these destinations, not only to participate in the Easter celebrations but also to explore the historical landmarks, enjoy the Mediterranean cuisine, and indulge in the local customs that make Greek Easter unique.
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By contributing to the transportation of the Holy Light, SKY express plays a direct role in bolstering the tourism infrastructure, especially in cities that may not be as widely recognized on the global tourism map but are significant for their cultural and religious importance. This transport effort helps elevate the appeal of regions across Greece, creating opportunities for local businesses and hospitality providers to capitalize on the increased traffic during the Easter season.
Enhancing the Easter Spirit with Special Touches for Passengers
Beyond the transport of the Holy Light, SKY express will also offer special Easter candles to passengers on Good Friday and Holy Saturday flights, both domestic and international, heading to Greece. This thoughtful gesture enhances the holiday spirit for travellers, ensuring that even those who are flying in for the occasion feel the warmth and connection of Greek Easter traditions. As tourism in Greece sees a rise during this time, such touches not only make passengers feel welcome but also add to the overall visitor experience, strengthening the emotional appeal of the country’s cultural tourism offerings.
SKY Express: A Key Player in Greece’s Tourism and Cultural Economy
The annual transport of the Holy Light by SKY express is more than just an airline operation—it is an integral part of the cultural and religious tourism sector in Greece. For many, the Holy Light represents the heart of the Easter celebration, and SKY express‘s involvement ensures that this sacred tradition reaches as many people as possible. The airline’s dedication to this task highlights its role in supporting Greece’s tourism economy, not just through its air travel services, but by becoming a part of the nation’s cultural fabric.
As the transport of the Holy Light continues to be a focal point of the Easter tourism season, SKY express stands as a key enabler of the country’s broader tourism growth. Through these efforts, the airline helps ensure that Greece remains one of the world’s top destinations for religious tourism, creating a seamless and memorable experience for all who visit to partake in one of the country’s most cherished traditions.
The Continued Growth of Easter Tourism and Cultural Heritage
With SKY express playing a critical part in ferrying the Holy Light, the company is assisting in facilitating tourism growth in Greece, particularly at Easter time. Through connecting destinations that are significant from a religious and cultural point of view, SKY express boosts the attractiveness of the Greek Easter festivities. In addition, SKY express will continue to be a key component of the hospitality industry in Greece as Easter tourism grows, making significant contributions to the country’s tourism economy.
Image Source: SKY express
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