According to data released by the Civil Aviation Authority, Greece experienced a substantial increase in passenger traffic across its airports during the first five months of the year.

In May alone, the combined number of passengers handled at Athens International Airport, the 14 regional airports managed by Fraport Greece, and other smaller airports surged by 14.6 per cent compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 6.8 million passengers. From January to May, the overall passenger count rose by an impressive 28.4 per cent year-on-year, totaling approximately 18 million individuals. Notably, this figure also represents a 10.8 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2019, signaling a robust recovery for the aviation sector.

Athens Airport emerged as the primary contributor to the surge in passenger traffic, accommodating 2.54 million travelers in May alone, reflecting a remarkable 23.4 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The 14 regional airports also experienced growth, handling 3.2 million passengers, a notable 10.6 per cent rise from May 2022. In total, Athens Airport and the regional airports collectively accounted for 85 per cent of the total passenger volume.

During the first five months of 2023, Athens Airport witnessed a remarkable annual growth rate of 39.9 per cent, with passenger traffic reaching 9.1 million. Similarly, the 14 regional airports recorded a 19.5 per cent increase, serving 6.8 million passengers.

The notable surge in passenger traffic at Greek airports signifies a positive trend for the country’s aviation industry, reflecting increasing confidence among travelers and a strong recovery from the impact of the global pandemic.