Visit Greece in 2026: New Direct Flights to Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete from Berlin, Rome, and Stockholm

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Greece’s air travel network has received a significant boost as the country’s airports have kicked off 2026 with increased passenger traffic and new international routes. The growth in air connectivity is particularly evident in Athens, Thessaloniki, and key Greek islands, with new direct flights from major global markets and the expansion of existing services. This surge in connectivity is poised to benefit the country’s tourism sector, making it easier for visitors to explore both popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations across Greece.

In January 2026, Greece’s airports saw impressive growth in passenger numbers, setting the stage for a robust tourism season ahead. Notably, Athens International Airport (AIA) reported a 8.6% increase in passenger traffic, with domestic traffic rising by 7.1% and international travel up by 9.2%. The increase in air traffic signals a promising year for Greece’s tourism, with travelers from around the world gaining easier access to iconic sites like Athens’ Acropolis, Santorini’s beaches, and the historical sites of Crete.

New Airline Entries and Expanded Routes

As Greece positions itself as a global tourism hub, new airline partnerships and route expansions are a key element in attracting more visitors. IndiGo and Aegean Airlines have launched direct flights connecting Athens to New Delhi and Mumbai, opening the door to increased tourism from India. These routes not only strengthen Greece’s position in the South Asian market but also offer Indian travelers easier access to the Greek islands and historical landmarks.

Additionally, American Airlines will begin a direct route from Dallas to Athens starting May 21, 2026, adding a fifth US destination from the Greek capital. Other North American routes also saw growth, with Air Canada extending its season, offering early flights from Montreal and Toronto starting March 6. Delta and United Airlines also resumed services from Atlanta, Boston, and Chicago earlier than usual, signaling a strong interest from the US market for Greek destinations.

Expanding European Connections

In addition to the North American market, Europe remains a crucial source of visitors for Greece. WizzAir will add Gdańsk to its network from May 2026, while airBaltic will launch new flights from Tallinn to Athens in April 2026. The UK, Germany, and France have been key markets for Greece’s tourism, and new direct flights from cities like London, Paris, and Berlin will help maintain the momentum in travel arrivals.

Greek island destinations are also benefiting from these expanded routes, as travelers from across Europe will have increased access to places like Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete. The island-hopping tourism market continues to grow as more European carriers add seasonal flights to Greek islands, enhancing their appeal for both summer vacations and off-season visits.

Aegean Airlines and Local Routes Expansion

One of the most exciting developments in Greece’s aviation sector is the expansion of Aegean Airlines’ network. In 2026, Aegean will operate over 22.5 million seats, further cementing its dominance in European, Middle Eastern, and North African markets. New routes will target the Middle East, Turkey, Cyprus, and Morocco, expanding opportunities for business and leisure travelers alike. These routes will also facilitate tourism to regions that were previously underexplored, providing access to Greece’s cultural treasures and natural beauty.

Sky Express, another Greek airline, will launch six new routes, while Ryanair and Wizz Air are increasing their frequency on key routes to Warsaw, Venice, and Craiova, helping Eastern European visitors gain access to Greece’s top attractions.

Fraport Greece Airports See Growth in Regional Traffic

Fraport Greece, which manages 14 regional airports, also reported strong growth in January 2026, with a 718,000 passenger increase, marking an 8.1% rise from the previous year. Thessaloniki, Corfu, Kefalonia, and Santorini all saw increased traffic, reflecting the growing interest in both mainland Greece and its islands.

Among the regional airports, Thessaloniki showed impressive growth, with 25,000 additional passengers compared to January 2025. International traffic increased significantly from Turkey, the UK, Sweden, and Germany, while Cyprus, Austria, and the Netherlands showed slight declines. The island-focused destinations, such as Santorini and Rhodes, continue to see consistent demand, proving their ongoing popularity.

YPA-Managed Airports: Key Regional Growth

In northeastern Greece, YPA-managed airports such as Heraklion and Kalamata also showed growth. Heraklion Airport, one of the most significant airports for access to Crete, recorded a 1.8% rise in passengers, despite some runway upgrades. Heraklion continues to thrive as a major tourist destination, attracting visitors to its beaches and archaeological sites like the Knossos Palace.

Additionally, Kavala Airport, which had recently undergone renovation work, saw a massive 396% increase in passenger numbers, further underlining the growing demand for Greek island and mainland destinations.

Looking Ahead: A Strong Year for Greek Tourism

The expansion of air travel routes to Greece in 2026 signals a bright future for Greek tourism. The country’s strategic position between Europe, Asia, and Africa allows it to be a prime destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. As flights increase and new destinations are added, Greece is set to benefit from a continued influx of visitors throughout the year, particularly from North America and Southern Europe.

As Aegean Airlines, WizzAir, TAP Air Portugal, and other regional carriers continue to bolster their services, Greece’s status as a global tourism hub is only set to grow. The expansion in both international and domestic flights will provide travelers with more flexibility, options, and opportunities to experience the beauty and culture of this historic and diverse country.

Conclusion: Greece’s Growing Appeal

From Athens’ historical treasures to the stunning beaches of Santorini and Mykonos, Greece offers something for every type of traveler. The growth in air travel to Greece, driven by both increased airline offerings and government support for tourism, ensures that this Mediterranean gem will remain at the forefront of the global tourism industry in 2026 and beyond.