Greece’s Airports Soar to New Heights in 2025 with Year-Round Passenger Growth

In 2025, Greece’s airports are experiencing a significant transformation, with passenger traffic expanding beyond the summer peak season and continuing into the autumn and early winter months. This trend marks a shift toward a longer and more consistent travel season, supported by growing demand across both Athens International Airport and regional hubs.

Surge in Passenger Numbers Across Greece’s Airports

By November 2025, Greece’s 39 airports saw a substantial increase in passenger traffic, totalling nearly 79.9 million travellers, a 4.8% year-on-year rise. This remarkable growth includes the 24 state-run airports managed by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA), as well as the 14 regional airports operated by Fraport Greece. Aircraft movements during this period also increased by 4.1%, with over 600,000 flights recorded.

The rise in passenger numbers is part of a broader trend, where demand is shifting away from the traditional summer months and spreading across the entire year, particularly benefiting autumn and winter travel. This growth reflects the increasing appeal of Greece not only as a summer destination but as a year-round travel hotspot.

Athens International Airport Breaks Records in 2025

Athens International Airport (AIA) continues to play a pivotal role in Greece’s airport growth. In 2025, the airport is on track to set a new all-time record for passenger traffic, with 31.68 million passengers recorded by November. A significant portion of this growth comes from international travel, which rose by 8.8%, and domestic traffic, which increased by 2% compared to 2024.

November saw an impressive performance, with 2.36 million passengers passing through AIA, representing a 9.6% increase over the same month in 2024. International passenger traffic during this period saw a 11.5% rise, further demonstrating Athens’ position as a key gateway for international travel to and from Greece.

Regional Airports Thrive with Growing Demand

Beyond Athens, Greece’s regional airports have been key beneficiaries of the extended travel season. The 14 airports operated by Fraport Greece experienced a remarkable 2.9% growth in passenger traffic, surpassing 36.23 million passengers by November, even exceeding the total number of passengers handled in 2024.

Notably, smaller airports like Nea Anchialos, Syros, and Naxos saw impressive growth rates of 46.3%, 39.6%, and 17.8%, respectively. This surge highlights the growing interest in secondary destinations across Greece, as more visitors are exploring beyond the major cities and islands.

Shifting Travel Patterns: A Year-Round Destination

One of the most notable developments in Greek tourism is the redistribution of travel demand across the calendar year. While the summer months traditionally dominate Greece’s travel sector, recent data indicates that travellers are increasingly seeking to visit during off-peak seasons, including the autumn and winter months.

In November, airports across Greece recorded substantial gains, demonstrating that the appeal of Greece extends well beyond the summer. This shift is helping Greece diversify its tourism offerings and extend its peak travel seasons. The rise in autumn and early winter traffic is indicative of a broader change in traveller behaviour, with an increasing number of visitors eager to experience Greece’s mild winter climate, cultural festivals, and scenic landscapes during the quieter months.

The Path Forward: Sustaining Growth

As Greece’s airports continue to grow, airport operators and the government are looking at ways to sustain this momentum. Investments in infrastructure and services will be crucial to maintaining the quality of experience for passengers, particularly with the rise in air traffic during the traditionally quieter months.

While Athens International Airport prepares for a record year, regional airports are also experiencing more balanced traffic throughout the year, benefiting from the expanding network of international flights and growing awareness of Greece’s diverse travel options.

The increasing demand for year-round travel in Greece signals that the country is becoming a more attractive destination for global travellers, both in terms of leisure and business. Whether exploring the historic sites of Athens, the natural beauty of the islands, or the unique charm of secondary destinations, Greece is clearly transitioning to a year-round tourism model that continues to flourish.

Greece’s Airports Poised for Year-Round Success in 2025

Greece’s airports have firmly established themselves as year-round hubs for international and domestic travel. As passenger traffic continues to rise, both Athens International Airport and regional airports are benefiting from extended travel seasons. The shift toward year-round demand presents a bright future for Greece’s tourism sector, as visitors increasingly flock to the country to explore its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes throughout the year.