Athens Airport Eyes Capacity Growth to 40 Million Passengers
Athens International Airport (AIA) is embarking on a substantial expansion phase, with the ambitious goal of increasing its annual passenger capacity to 40 million by 2032. This strategic move is a direct response to the sustained surge in travel demand, which continued strongly into 2026, despite growing pressures on profitability.
In 2025, AIA achieved a significant milestone, serving a record 33.99 million passengers. This figure represents a 6.7 percent increase compared to the previous year, surpassing the average growth observed across European airports. The primary driver behind this impressive growth was international traffic, which saw an 8.6 percent rise, complemented by the enduring strength of leisure travel and consistent demand for year-round city breaks.
Profitability Challenges Amidst Growth
Despite the notable increase in passenger volumes, AIA experienced a decline in profitability. This downturn is attributed to the combined impact of regulatory adjustments and the escalating costs associated with the airport’s ongoing investment cycle. Total revenue and other income for 2025 saw a modest increase of 1.5 percent, reaching 675.6 million euros. However, adjusted EBITDA decreased by 7 percent to 394.9 million euros, and net profit fell by 12.1 percent, settling at 207.3 million euros.
Georgios Kallimassias, CEO of AIA, commented on the airport’s performance, stating, “The 2025 performance confirms the strong recovery of Athens, with passenger traffic reaching record levels.” He further emphasized the airport’s unwavering commitment to “delivering high-quality services while advancing its long-term development strategy.”
Key financial and operational highlights for 2025 include:
- Passenger Traffic: 34.0 million (up 6.7% year-on-year)
- International Travel: Primary growth driver (up 8.6%)
- Leisure Passengers: Accounted for 87% of total traffic
- Total Revenues: €675.6 million (up 1.5% year-on-year)
- Adjusted EBITDA: €394.9 million (down 7%)
- Net Profit: €207.3 million (down 12.1%)
Expansion Plan Gains Momentum
The airport is now vigorously pursuing a new phase of growth, underpinned by its extensive expansion program. Capital expenditure witnessed a significant surge in 2025, reaching 161 million euros, a substantial increase from 33 million euros in the preceding year. This heightened investment reflects the accelerated progress on crucial infrastructure projects.
Current projects under construction include a new multi-storey parking facility and an expanded aircraft parking area. Concurrently, the tender process for the expansion of both the main and satellite terminals is in its final stages, with the contract award anticipated in the second half of 2026.
The comprehensive expansion program, with an estimated cost of approximately 1.3 billion euros, is designed to progressively elevate the airport’s capacity to an impressive 40 million passengers annually by 2032. Beyond capacity enhancement, the program also aims to significantly upgrade the overall passenger experience and expand commercial areas within the airport premises.
Outlook for 2026 and Potential Risks
Looking ahead, AIA projects a continued growth in passenger traffic for 2026, albeit at a low single-digit rate, aligning with long-term trends. The demand for travel to Athens remains robust, bolstered by strong connectivity, increasing interest in year-round travel options, and strategic efforts to attract long-haul and higher-spending markets.
However, airport management acknowledges potential risks stemming from geopolitical developments, particularly in the Middle East. This region constituted approximately 7.5 percent of AIA’s total traffic in 2025. While no significant impact has been observed thus far, these developments could pose future risks to demand.
In summary, the airport’s recent performance signifies a transition from a period of rapid post-pandemic recovery to a more mature phase. This current phase is characterized by a focused commitment to capacity expansion, strengthening operational resilience, and fostering long-term value creation.
Source: https://news.gtp.gr/2026/03/31/athens-airport-eyes-capacity-growth-to-40-million-passengers/
