Athens International Airport (AIA) is on track to achieve a new passenger traffic record of 34 million travelers by the end of 2025, underscoring the robust demand for air travel and prompting the acceleration of a significant expansion of Greece’s busiest airport. This milestone represents a substantial increase from the 31.9 million passengers recorded in 2024, driven by both strong inbound tourism and a rise in outbound travel by Greek citizens following the pandemic.
Record Passenger Numbers Drive Expansion
Speaking at a media briefing on Monday, outgoing AIA Chief Executive Officer Yiannis Paraschis highlighted the airport’s exceptional performance. “2025 is shaping up to be a very good year for Athens airport, as we are set to reach 34 million passengers,” Paraschis stated, noting that AIA’s post-pandemic recovery and growth have outpaced European averages. The sustained increase in passenger volume has now propelled long-anticipated expansion works into their execution phase.
A Billion-Euro Investment in Infrastructure
Athens International Airport is moving forward with a 1 billion euro terminal expansion project. The contract for the core construction works is anticipated to be awarded within the coming months. This terminal expansion is part of a broader investment program, valued at 1.28 billion euros, designed to progressively increase the airport’s capacity to 40 million passengers by 2032. The project will be delivered in stages to minimize disruption, with individual facilities becoming operational as they are completed.
As part of this comprehensive expansion, the construction of a multi-story aircraft parking facility, capable of accommodating up to 32 aircraft, has already been contracted and is proceeding according to schedule. While airport management acknowledges that some inconvenience for passengers during the construction period is unavoidable, the ultimate outcome is expected to be a significantly upgraded terminal environment and enhanced operational efficiency.
“At the end of this process, what will be delivered is essentially a new airport,” remarked George Kallimasias, who is set to assume the role of chief executive on February 1, 2026.
Leadership Transition Amidst Growth
The acceleration of the airport’s expansion coincides with a change in its top leadership. Kallimasias will succeed Paraschis, marking a transition that follows a long period of close collaboration between the two executives.
Paraschis characterized the leadership change as a natural progression, emphasizing that he and Kallimasias have worked together for 25 years on critical initiatives. These include the extension of the airport’s concession period, long-term strategic planning, and the company’s successful stock market listing. “One chapter is closing and a new one is opening,” Paraschis commented, reaffirming the airport’s consistent philosophy of “speaking honestly and delivering through action.”
Kallimasias, who joined the airport in 1999, acknowledged that he is taking over an organization that operates at a high level of operational, financial, and environmental performance. However, he also noted the heightened challenges that lie ahead. “The most critical task ahead is delivering the expansion while maintaining service quality,” he stated, recognizing that managing growth effectively during the construction phase will be a defining test for the coming years.
Paraschis will continue his involvement with the airport in a consultative capacity, ensuring continuity and smooth progress as Athens International Airport embarks on its next significant growth phase.
Source: Greek Travel Pages (GTP)
