Greek Know-how Travels to Beijing for the Olympics

Athens International Airport’s experience and know-how is being shared with both the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games and the Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA) for the preparation and smooth operation of the arrivals and departures process at BCIA during the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing.

Athens International Airport delivered an unprecedented arrival and departure experience for the Olympic and Paralympic family and travelers during the 2004 Olympic Games, while at the same time received high praise and international recognition.

Consequently, Athens International Airport is providing advisor support and know-how on issues such as arrival and departure procedures, off-airport processing, baggage and equipment management and transportation logistics.

After a number of contacts between officials from China and Greece in Beijing, a three-day workshop under the lead of experts from Athens International Airport took place in Beijing in November 2007. Furthemore a large delegation of officials from the BCIA, China Civil Aviation Authority, and Air China recently visited Athens International Airport to get a thorough briefing on the preparation logistics and operations during the 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games and to discuss further steps of preparation in Beijing.  

Airlines around the world are expected to increase the number of flights to Beijing by over 70 percent during the Olympic games. It is estimated that air traffic will peak three days before the opening ceremony on August 8 and three days after the closing ceremony on August 24 with an average of 1,900 daily compared with the usual average of 1,150.