Speaking to the Athens News Agency (AMNA), the Director of Communications & Marketing at the Athens International Airport (AIA), Ioanna Papadopoulou, laid out the plans for Greece’s largest airport in the wake of impressive passenger traffic figures.
The director said the group had so far put up outstanding numbers regarding passenger traffic and flights, underscoring that in 2024 passenger traffic amounted to 27.5 million, marking a 12.9% increase compared to 2023.
In the interview, Ms. Papadopoulou presented the company’s strategic targets moving forward, which included expanding the airport’s flight connections to distant destinations.
Currently, the Athens International Airport serves as a critical hub, connecting the Greek capital with 57 countries and 166 destinations worldwide. The airport facilitates operations for 66 airlines, underscoring its role as a major gateway for international and domestic travel.
The director of the Athens International Airport said the plans would focus on reinforcing existing connections with markets like the US, Canada, and China while opening new connections in India.
“Markets such as those in Latin America, Japan, and Australia, as well as the further expansion of the network to and from the African continent, are also set as medium-term goals,” she added.
On the ambitious investment plans of AIA, she stressed the aim was to increase the airport’s annual capacity. The first phase includes the expansion of the Main and Satellite Terminals, the construction of additional aircraft parking stands, and a new multi-story vehicle parking facility. These constructions are expected to be completed by late 2028 to early 2029.
The implementation of the first phase of the expansion program was progressing on schedule, with successful completion so far of the necessary studies and the initiation of tenders. Funding for the investments under the first phase of the program is also moving forward and is anticipated to be finalized before the end of the year.
“This significant project requires substantial resources and meticulous planning, aiming to fully meet the needs of passengers, and airport partners, and is expected to enhance the image and quality standards of our airport, city, and country,” she noted.
Ioanna Papadopoulou highlighted the fact that all the plans and initiatives were moving ahead as AIA was the country’s only airport that has maintained carbon neutrality since 2016, with the next ambitious goal being the Athens International Airport initiative, “Route 2025,” aimed at achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions under the direct control of the airport.
