Fraport Greece Sees More than Eight Percent Growth in Passenger Traffic in January 2026, Driven by Thessaloniki Airport, Boosting Local Economies and Travel Future in Greece

Fraport Greece, which runs 14 regional airports in Greece, has noted a positive trend in passenger traffic for January 2026, marking an increase of 8.1% compared to the same period last year. The passenger count reached 718,000, with Thessaloniki Airport leading the growth in this area. This surge in passenger volume illustrates Greece’s increasing air traffic demand, and the role of the aviation industry in developing tourism in Greece.

The increase in tourism in Greece has positively affected Thessaloniki’s air traffic which shows the importance of the city and its nearby areas to the tourism network. Local businesses and the community will enjoy the economic advantages. The increase in passenger count is an indicator of the tourism industry resurgence and highlights the role of regional airports in Greece’s tourism.

Thessaloniki Airport: A Key Driver of Tourism Impact in Northern Greece

Thessaloniki’s “Makedonia” Airport saw a 5.8% increase in passenger traffic, adding 25,000 additional travelers compared to January 2025. This growth is a reflection of the city’s increasing appeal to both international tourists and business travelers. The airport’s international flight movements grew by 6.8%, signaling a higher demand for international travel to northern Greece.

With year-round connectivity and better access to the Northern Aegean region, Thessaloniki is becoming a key hub for regional tourism. The increased traffic is providing a positive impact on local economies by driving tourism-related spending, such as accommodation, dining, and transportation services. As Thessaloniki continues to grow as a regional aviation center, it contributes directly to sustaining tourism growth across northern Greece.

Regional Airports and Tourism Impact: Boosting Local Economies Across Greece

Across the broader Fraport Greece network, total flight movements rose by 9.2%, marking a positive trend for Greek tourism. While domestic travel led the charge with a 10.4% increase in domestic passenger traffic (441,786 passengers), international tourism also grew, though at a slower pace of 4.6% (276,022 passengers). These figures demonstrate that domestic tourism continues to be a major pillar of Greece’s tourism economy, with local businesses benefiting from increased travel by Greek nationals.

The rise in flight demand, particularly at regional airports, is encouraging investment in tourism infrastructure, helping to strengthen the economic impact of tourism in less-visited regions of Greece. As more tourists explore rural and regional destinations, the tourism sector is diversifying, bringing economic benefits to areas outside traditional tourist hotspots like Athens and Santorini.

Operational Challenges: The Role of Airport Infrastructure in Supporting Tourism Growth

Despite some operational challenges caused by runway closures and maintenance works at several airports, the overall traffic increase underscores the resilience of the Greek tourism sector. Airports such as Corfu, Santorini, and Rhodes were affected by scheduled closures under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), but passenger traffic still increased. The growth in these areas is particularly significant because these airports are usually affected by seasonal fluctuations, and the traffic boost indicates a stronger tourism season in 2026.

Kavala Airport, with a remarkable 396% increase in traffic, posted the strongest growth, due to the fact that it was closed for much of January 2025, making this year’s results significantly stronger. This growth highlights the importance of maintaining airport infrastructure and ensuring continuous operations to meet the growing demand for regional tourism.

Tourism Safety and Sustainable Development in Greek Airports

The increase in passenger traffic at Fraport Greece’s airports indicates a positive trend for tourism growth in Greece, but it also underscores the need for sustainable tourism practices. As tourism demand rises, the focus on sustainable development is becoming essential. Fraport Greece’s investments in airport infrastructure and customer service are critical to ensuring that tourism growth remains eco-friendly and benefits local communities.

Sustainable tourism practices, such as carbon reduction and eco-conscious development, are central to maintaining the balance between tourism expansion and environmental preservation. As more travelers opt for eco-friendly destinations, Greece can continue to attract high-value tourists without compromising the integrity of its cultural heritage and natural resources.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Tourism Growth in Greece’s Regional Airports

The future of tourism growth in Greece will continue to depend on the expansion of regional airports, such as those operated by Fraport Greece. As tourism becomes an increasingly important part of Greece’s economy, the development of airport infrastructure, improved services, and sustainable tourism initiatives will be critical to maintaining steady growth.

By diversifying tourism flows, improving tourist experiences, and balancing development with environmental preservation, Greece can continue to lead in global tourism growth. As regional airports continue to grow in capacity, they will play a vital role in the overall economic development of the tourism sector, ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism-related opportunities while maintaining the sustainable growth of Greek tourism.

The Future Impact of Tourism Growth in Greece

Fraport Greece achievements in January 2023 show an aincrease in the volume of tourism an Greece’s regional airports. The growth in domestic and international passengers is an antithesis to the Greek tourism industry. The Greek tourism industry is bound to grow by implementing sustainable measures, improving the airports, and bettering the experience to the visitors. The growth of the tourism industry will improve the economy of the local communities, and improve regional development and global tourism.