INSETE: Greece Sees 1.6 Million More Air Arrivals in January-September 2024

Greece experienced a significant increase in foreign arrivals — both by air and road — during the January to September 2024 period, reaching over 32 million total visitors, according to the latest data released by INSETE.

The research body of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) reported that 22.6 million passengers arrived in Greece via international flights during the first nine months of 2024, representing an increase of 1.6 million (7.9 percent) compared to the same period the previous year. In September alone, international arrivals totaled 3.7 million passengers, up by 244,000 (7.1 percent) from September 2023.

During the same period, Greece recorded 10.3 million international road arrivals, an increase of 1.3 million (14.5 percent) over the first three quarters of 2023.

Busiest airports in Greece

Among Greece’s main airports, Athens’ Eleftherios Venizelos welcomed 6.3 million international passengers in the first nine months of 2024, marking an increase of 737,000 (13.1 percent) compared to the same period in 2023.

Thessaloniki Airport registered 1.9 million international passenger arrivals, a slight increase of 39,000 (2 percent) year-on-year.

Heraklion’s Nikos Kazantzakis Airport on Crete welcomed 3.4 million international passengers, up by 194,000 (6.4 percent) compared to the same period last year.

Among the Dodecanese Island islands, Rhodes Airport recorded 2.7 million arrivals, an increase of 314,000 (13.3 percent) while Kos Airport welcomed 1.2 million international passengers, up by 40,000 (3.4 percent) over the same period in 2023.

In the Ionian, Corfu Airport saw 1.8 million international flight arrivals, reflecting an increase of 101,000 (5.9 percent) year-on-year.

Zakynthos Airport welcomed 1 million international flight passengers, marking an increase of 51,000 (5.4 percent) over the same timeframe.

Among the Cyclades islands, Santorini Airport reported a marginal increase of 1.9 percent (9,000 arrivals), bringing the total to 694,000. In contrast, Mykonos Airport experienced a decline of 3.6 percent (19,000 fewer arrivals), totaling 502,000 for the January to September 2024 period.

Regional overview and domestic flight trends

Regionally, all areas of Greece experienced increases in international arrivals during the first nine months of 2024, except for the Cyclades. The regions of Crete, the Dodecanese, and the Ionian Islands welcomed the highest numbers of international flight visitors, with 4.8 million, 4 million, and 3.5 million passengers, respectively.

Domestic flight passenger numbers also rose, increasing to 7.5 million compared to 7 million in the same period last year, a growth of 499,000 (7.1 percent). The busiest regional airports for domestic flights were in Heraklion, Chania (Crete), Santorini, Rhodes, and Mykonos.

Road Arrivals to Greece in first nine months of 2024

According to INSETE’s data, the increase in road arrivals in Greece this year has been substantial. The country recorded 10.3 million international road arrivals in the first nine months of 2024, compared to 9 million during the same period in 2023, representing a growth of 1.3 million (14.5 percent). In September alone, road arrivals reached 1.5 million, reflecting a 17.5 percent increase.

Economic concerns amid increased arrivals

While Greece welcomed more arrivals in the January to September 2024 period, revenues did not meet expectations from Greek tourism professionals. According to the Bank of Greece, travel receipts in August 2024 fell by 1.8 percent, amounting to 4.25 billion euros, compared to 4.32 billion euros in August 2023.