Record Passenger Traffic at Athens International Airport

In 2024, Athens International Airport (ATH) reached a new milestone by welcoming a record 31. 9 million passengers. This represented a 25% increase from 2019 and a 13% rise year-over-year. The airport’s momentum has continued into 2025, with an 11% increase in passenger traffic during the first two months of the year.

Growing U. S.

The airport’s network expansion in 2024 was largely driven by the strong performance in the U. S. market. This included the launch of new services to New York with Norse Atlantic and Chicago with United Airlines. Existing routes also saw an increase in frequency from Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, extending the seasonal coverage.

Continued Growth in 2025

ATH’s growth has continued into 2025, with Norse Atlantic launching the airport’s first direct connection to the U. S. West Coast with service to Los Angeles in June. By the end of the year, ATH’s U. S. network is expected to expand to nine destinations. The U. S. is the top source market for international visitors to Athens, and the airport plans to pursue further growth through new connectivity opportunities.

Expanding Asian Network

ATH’s Asian network has also seen growth, with the launch of Sichuan Airlines’ service to Chengdu and an increase in frequency on the Shanghai route by Juneyao Air to five flights per week. The airport has identified India as a key target and hopes to celebrate an inaugural direct service from this market in 2026.

Expansion in Europe

In 2024, easyJet added several new routes resulting in a 36% increase in passenger capacity. The low-cost carrier (LCC) has further expanded its footprint by adding Alicante to its summer 2025 schedule.

Strategic Growth Plans

Speaking at Routes Europe 2025, Ioanna Papadopoulou, ATH’s director of marketing and communications, shared insights into the airport’s strategy for sustained growth. She stated, “A strategic priority for us is to increase our long-haul network and identify new sources of growth in mature markets, particularly across Europe. ” The airport works closely with airlines to achieve these goals by offering competitive incentives and robust marketing support tailored to their needs.

Infrastructure Expansion for Continued Growth

To accommodate the continued growth, ATH plans to expand its terminal infrastructure and increase overall passenger capacity. While construction is already underway, the majority of the work will begin in 2026, with an estimated completion date of 2032.

Commitment to Sustainability

In the nearer term, ATH is on track to achieve net zero carbon emissions by October 2025. The airport has consistently invested in its sustainability strategy, especially during the pandemic, and is set to meet the aviation industry’s net zero target 25 years ahead of schedule.

Routes Europe 2025 and Routes 360 Membership

Reflecting on the value of Routes Europe 2025, held