Athens, Greece – March 9, 2026 – Passenger traffic at Athens International Airport (AIA) experienced a robust increase in February, with 1.98 million travelers passing through its gates. This figure represents a significant 13.1 percent surge compared to February of the previous year, highlighting a continued growth trajectory for the Greek capital’s main aviation hub.
Strong Performance Across Domestic and International Sectors
Data released by the airport indicates that both domestic and international traffic contributed substantially to this impressive growth. Domestic passenger numbers saw a 9.9 percent year-on-year increase, while international traffic demonstrated an even stronger performance, rising by 14.4 percent.
Positive Start to 2026
The first two months of 2026 have set a positive tone for AIA. The airport collectively handled 3.97 million passengers during January and February, marking an overall increase of 10.8 percent when compared to the same period in 2025. Specifically, domestic traffic grew by 8.5 percent, and international passenger numbers climbed by 11.7 percent.
Growth in Aircraft Movements
In addition to passenger volume, aircraft movements at AIA also recorded steady growth. A total of 34,469 flights were operated during the initial two months of the year, signifying an 8.3 percent increase over 2025. Domestic flights rose by 5.8 percent, and international flights saw a 9.8 percent increase. These figures are considered preliminary by AIA.
Athens: A Fast-Growing Mega Hub in Europe
The consistent expansion of Athens International Airport has earned it a prominent position among Europe’s fastest-growing major hubs, according to recent data published by ACI Europe. This sustained growth follows a record-breaking performance in 2025, underscoring the airport’s strong momentum at the beginning of 2026. International traffic remains a primary driver of this growth, building on the positive trajectory established in January, when passenger traffic increased by 8.6 percent year-on-year.
Impact on Greek Tourism and Economy
The continuous rise in passenger traffic at Athens International Airport is a strong indicator of the health and vitality of Greece’s tourism sector. Increased air travel directly correlates with higher tourist arrivals, which in turn boosts local businesses, hospitality services, and overall economic activity. The robust performance of AIA suggests a promising outlook for the upcoming tourist season and reinforces Athens’ role as a crucial gateway for international visitors to Greece.
The growth in both domestic and international flights also reflects a renewed confidence in air travel and the effectiveness of tourism promotion efforts. As Athens continues to attract a growing number of travelers, the airport’s infrastructure and services will play a critical role in accommodating this demand and ensuring a seamless travel experience for all passengers.
This positive trend also has implications for employment within the aviation and tourism industries, supporting jobs and fostering further investment in related sectors. The airport’s ability to consistently attract more passengers and flights solidifies its status as a key economic engine for the Attica region and the wider Greek economy.
Source: https://news.gtp.gr/2026/03/09/athens-airport-passenger-traffic-rises-13-1-in-february/
