Corfu Port and Airport Report Strong Growth in 2025
Corfu, Greece – The port of Corfu, often referred to as the western gateway to Greece, is experiencing continuous growth, according to data from the Corfu Port Authority (OLKE). For the ten-month period from January to October 2025, cruise traffic recorded an 8.23% increase, while ferry connections with Albania emerged as one of the fastest-growing maritime corridors in the region. Concurrently, the island’s airport saw a 6% rise in international air arrivals.
Cruise Sector Sees Significant Upswing
Specifically, during the January-October 2025 period, cruise passenger numbers in Corfu reached 845,744, a substantial increase from 781,444 in the corresponding period of 2024, marking an 8.23% growth. The number of cruise ship calls for the same period stood at 428, up from 409 in 2024. An additional 51 calls are already scheduled for November-December, further extending the tourist season and providing a significant boost to the local economy.
Transit passengers also saw a notable increase, reaching 649,987 compared to 585,387 in the previous year, an 11% rise. According to data from the Union of Greek Ports, Corfu welcomed 437 cruise ships and 815,613 passengers in 2024, representing increases of 24% and 22% respectively. In 2023, total cruise ship arrivals were 353, with 667,182 passengers.
Over 500 Cruise Ship Calls Expected for 2026
The new cruise season for the port of Corfu is scheduled to commence on January 2, 2026, with the arrival of a cruise ship carrying 2,679 passengers. This marks the beginning of what is projected to be an exceptionally positive year, with over 500 scheduled calls, solidifying Corfu’s position as a dynamic maritime hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Ferry Traffic Also on the Rise
During the same January-October 2025 period, ferry traffic proved to be a stable pillar of growth, with passenger flows significantly enhancing the cross-border character of the port. Corfu is increasingly functioning as a trans-regional hub, serving both tourism and daily commutes.
The Corfu-Igoumenitsa route, a crucial daily transport artery, recorded a small but steady increase. Disembarking passengers reached 791,494, up from 785,796 in 2024 (+0.73%), while embarking passengers totaled 776,392, an increase from 773,212 (+0.41%).
The Corfu-Albania connection is emerging as one of the fastest-growing maritime corridors in the region. Disembarking passengers surged to 327,360 from 272,694 (+20.05%), and embarking passengers reached exceptionally high levels, totaling 318,718 compared to 245,243 in the first nine months of 2024 (+29.96%).
The Corfu-Italy route presented a mixed picture, with a slight decrease in disembarking passengers, reaching 32,493 from 38,155 in 2024 (-14.84%). However, embarking passengers increased significantly, to 33,458 from 26,421 (+26.63%).
Dimitris Apergis, CEO of OLKE S.A., stated, “Corfu is evolving into a port that not only serves but also plays a leading role in the Adriatic region. The cruise and ferry data demonstrate that our port possesses dynamism, resilience, and potential.” He emphasized that efforts continue to upgrade Corfu’s modern services and infrastructure.
Air Arrivals Also Show Growth
Corfu also experienced increased air traffic this year. The ‘Ioannis Kapodistrias’ International Airport recorded a 6% increase in the first ten months of 2025, with 4,555,455 passengers compared to 4,295,762 in the corresponding period last year.
Of these, 4,165,541 passengers originated from international flights, and 389,914 from domestic flights. The dominant market for the island remains the British market, with 158,460 passengers recorded in October 2025, comprising 69,380 arrivals and 89,090 departures.
According to data from Fraport Greece, the managing company of Corfu Airport, 4,343,748 passengers were recorded in 2024, of whom 1,463,039 were from Great Britain.
Source: https://www.theopinion.gr/travel/kerkyra-ayxisi-stin-kroyaziera-kai-stin-aktoploia-sto-6-oi-diethneis-aeroporikes-afixeis/
