Athens Airport Welcomes Over 1 Million Passengers from Abroad in January

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The first month of the year was more than positive for Athens International Airport (AIA).

According to data released on Monday, Athens Airport entered 2024 with a new record of arrivals for January, surpassing one million passengers from abroad.

More specifically, during January 2024, international arrivals at AIA increased by 12.8 percent to 1,116,359 compared to the same month in 2023.

Domestic arrivals reached 486,140 passengers, up 6.2 percent compared to January 2023.

In total, Athens Airport’s passenger traffic amounted to 1.6 million, up 10.7 percent above January 2023 (1,447,547 passengers).

Athens Airport’s number of flights during January 2024 amounted to 15,031, up 8.7 percent above the respective 2023. Both domestic and international flights were above the 2023 volumes by 5.3 percent and 11.2 percent, respectively.

The airport’s high performance is expected to continue over the next two months, according to the data for Q1 compiled by INSETE, the Greek Tourism Confederation’s (SETE) research body.

INSETE’s data shows 2.28 million airline seats on incoming international flights scheduled in the January-March quarter, a number increased by 16.8 percent compared to the corresponding period of 2023. The positive trend is expected to continue throughout 2024 as airlines, seeing great potential in Athens and Greek tourism in general, are boosting their flights programs.

In terms of markets, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom are the top three countries from where the most seats are scheduled, followed by Cyprus, Turkey, Switzerland, Spain, France, Israel and the Netherlands.

AIA connects 155 cities worldwide with Greece. The airport last year welcomed 28.2 million travelers, a 24 percent increase compared to 2022. Last year, some 19 million tourists came from abroad.

Investments in the pipeline

Athens International Airport is planning to carry out investments totalling some 1.35 billion euros by 2033. The first phase will include investments of 700 million euros and foresees the expansion of the terminal and parking spaces by 2028. It is estimated that following the investments AIA will be able to serve 33 million passengers.

The second phase foresees investments of 650 million euros for further expansion of terminals and parking areas by 2033. It is estimated that 40 million passengers will be able to be served.

Listing on Athens Stock Exchange

Athens International Airport’s January figures were released prior to its listing on the Athens Stock Exchange that will take place on February 7, following the IPO which ran until February 1.