Major construction groups are gearing up for a competitive tender as Athens International Airport ‘Eleftherios Venizelos’ prepares to award a €1.1 billion contract for its major expansion works. The project represents one of Greece’s most significant infrastructure investments in recent years.
Three Major Consortia in the Running
The consortia competing for the prestigious project are TERNA-REDEX, AKTOR (in partnership with a foreign company), and METKA-AVAX. These represent some of the largest construction firms operating in Greece, all with extensive experience in major infrastructure projects.
Preliminary procedures for the major Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) tender began over the summer, and the process is now entering its mature phase. Bid submissions are expected within the first quarter of 2026, according to airport officials.
The contractor will be selected based on multiple criteria, not solely on the lowest price offered. This approach is designed to ensure quality and timely delivery of the complex expansion works.
Construction to Begin in 2026
Athens International Airport aims to begin the first construction works within 2026, driven by unprecedented passenger traffic growth. This year, passenger numbers are projected to reach around 33.8 million, breaking yet another record in the airport’s 24-year history.
Passenger traffic is expected to reach 40 million passengers by the end of the current decade, provided there are no major geopolitical or other unforeseen disruptions. This projection is the key driver behind the expansion works, as the planned projects will enable the airport to comfortably meet the increased demand.
By 2032 at the latest, the new image of Athens International Airport is expected to be completed, featuring major expansions of both the main terminal and the satellite terminal, along with new aircraft boarding bridges and an overall enlargement of outdoor areas.
Expansion Plan Details
In summary, the expansion plan includes an additional 150,000 square metres of terminal space – a 68 percent increase compared to today. Key components involve expanding passenger facilities, creating new aircraft and vehicle parking stands, and developing new dining and retail areas, without adding a new runway.
In the background of the long-term planning lies the future development of a new terminal, to be built on the site currently occupied by the long-term parking area.
It should be noted that the project manager responsible for overseeing all expansion works – including the terminal and all accompanying infrastructure – is the HILL INTERNATIONAL-AECOM-SALFO consortium.
Current Construction Works Underway
At present, construction is underway on the new multi-storey parking facility and new aircraft apron, with a total cost of €188 million. The TERNA-REDEX consortium has taken the lead on these works, which are already visible to airport visitors.
Excavation at the parking site is well advanced, with foundation works scheduled to begin by early 2026. The new parking structure will be seven storeys high and will accommodate 3,500 vehicles of all types – from private cars to tourist buses.
In addition, this initial phase of the airport’s expansion also includes the development of 32 new aircraft parking stands. These initial projects are expected to be completed by the summer of 2027, providing new capabilities for the airport.
Temporary Parking Adjustments
Due to the temporary loss of one of the two existing parking areas – a result of the ongoing construction – parking demand has significantly increased. As a result, both short-term and long-term parking have been merged into the same area, with the long-term parking zone now accommodating a much larger number of vehicles.
Record Passenger Numbers Drive Expansion
The expansion comes as Athens International Airport continues to experience strong growth in passenger traffic. The projected 33.8 million passengers in 2025 represents a significant increase from previous years, reflecting Athens’ growing importance as a European travel hub.
The airport has consistently broken passenger records since the end of pandemic-related travel restrictions, with both domestic and international routes showing robust growth. The expansion is designed to ensure the airport can maintain high service standards even as passenger numbers continue to climb toward the 40 million mark.
Strategic Importance for Greek Economy
The €1.1 billion expansion project represents a major investment in Greece’s tourism infrastructure, which is a cornerstone of the national economy. Athens International Airport serves as the primary gateway for millions of tourists visiting Greece each year, as well as a crucial hub for business travel and cargo operations.
The project is expected to create hundreds of construction jobs during the building phase and will support the airport’s capacity to handle increased traffic, which in turn supports tourism-related employment across the country.
The expansion works will be closely watched by the construction industry, as they represent one of the largest infrastructure contracts to be awarded in Greece in recent years. The selection of the winning consortium in early 2026 will mark a significant milestone in the project’s development.
Source: https://ypodomes.com/athens-international-airport-big-4-face-off-for-e1-1bn-contract-expansion-starts-2026/
