Athens, Greece – January 14, 2026 – Athens International Airport (ATH) has announced a new passenger record for 2025, serving an unprecedented 33.99 million travellers. This figure represents a substantial 6.7% increase over the previous record of 31.85 million passengers set in 2024, highlighting the airport’s robust growth and its expanding role as a key regional hub.
International Travel Fuels Significant Growth
The surge in passenger traffic was predominantly driven by international travel, which saw 24.36 million passengers, an impressive 8.6% rise year-on-year. This segment accounted for close to three-quarters of the airport’s total traffic, underscoring Athens’ increasing appeal as an international destination and transit point.
Key source markets contributing to this international growth included the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy. Additionally, the airport observed a notable increase in passenger numbers from long-haul markets that do not yet have direct air links with Athens, such as Australia, South Korea, Japan, and Latin America. This indicates a growing global interest in Athens and Greece, even from distant regions requiring connecting flights.
Moderate Increase in Domestic Traffic
In contrast to the strong international performance, domestic traffic experienced more moderate growth, rising by 2.2% to reach 9.63 million passengers. While not as dramatic as the international figures, this steady increase in domestic travel still contributes to the overall positive trend and reflects sustained internal movement within Greece.
Athens Airport Solidifies Position as Regional Hub
These record-breaking results firmly establish Athens Airport’s continued expansion and strengthening position as a major regional hub. The growth is attributed to a combination of strong inbound tourism demand and the airport’s growing long-haul connectivity. The ability to attract and efficiently manage such a high volume of passengers, particularly from diverse international origins, showcases the airport’s operational capabilities and strategic importance.
The sustained increase in passenger numbers is a positive indicator for the Greek tourism sector and the broader economy. It suggests that Athens remains a highly attractive destination for tourists and business travellers alike, with the airport serving as a vital gateway. The ongoing development of long-haul routes and the strategic focus on key international markets are expected to further bolster these trends in the coming years.
Airport authorities and stakeholders will likely continue to invest in infrastructure and services to accommodate this growing demand, ensuring that Athens International Airport can maintain its high standards and continue to facilitate the increasing flow of travellers to and from Greece.
Source: https://www.aviation24.be/airports/athens-airport-ath/athens-airport-breaks-passenger-record-with-nearly-34-million-travellers-in-2025/
