Increase in airport traffic across Greece, with Crete witnessing the most significant surge in passenger numbers (up by 6.5%)
Greek airports have witnessed a surge in passenger traffic over the first seven months of 2025, with a total increase of approximately 4.7% compared to the same period last year. This growth in passenger numbers reflects a continued appetite for travel in Greece.
Key Players and Growth Rates
The Athens International Airport experienced a notable increase of 6.9% in passenger traffic for January to July 2025, with 18.83 million passengers, up from the previous year. In July 2025 alone, passenger numbers rose by 4.1% year-on-year to 3.75 million.
The 24 airports managed by the Civil Aviation Authority also saw a significant increase, with a 6.5% rise in passenger traffic. This group includes airports like Heraklion, Kalamata, Alexandroupoli, Limnos, Astypalaia, Ioannina, Chios, Kozani, Kastoria, Karpathos, Kythira, and others. The total number of passengers in this group reached 6.63 million, up from 6.23 million in the same period in 2024.
Heraklion Crete State Airport served 1.69 million passengers in July 2025, marking a 4.7% increase compared to July 2024.
The 14 regional airports operated by Fraport Greece recorded a 2.1% year-on-year growth in passenger traffic, reaching 19.5 million travelers from January to July 2025.
Standout Airports
Among Civil Aviation Authority-managed airports, Syros Airport recorded the largest percentage increase in passenger traffic in July 2025, with a 125.5% rise. Astypalaia Airport saw a 10.9% increase in passenger traffic in the same month. Nea Anchialos Airport also experienced a significant increase, with a 12.4% rise in passenger traffic in July 2025.
Impact of Banking Regulations
The data does not specify which airlines contributed to the increases in passenger traffic at the airports. Additionally, no information is provided about the impact of the Greek ban on ATM charges and limits on other banking fees on the increase in passenger numbers at the 39 airports.
Summary
| Airport Group | Passenger Growth (%) | Passengers Jan–Jul 2025 | |-----------------------------------|---------------------|-------------------------------| | Athens International Airport | 6.9% | 18.83 million | | Civil Aviation Authority Airports| 6.5%* | 6.63 million | | Heraklion Crete State Airport (July only) | 4.7% | 1.69 million (July) | | Fraport Greece Regional Airports | 2.1% | 19.5 million |
- Includes 24 airports such as Heraklion, Kalamata, Alexandroupoli, and others.
This indicates the strongest passenger growth was at Athens International Airport and the CAA-managed regional airports, followed by Heraklion and Fraport-operated regional airports. The growth in passenger traffic includes both domestic and international arrivals and departures.
The increased appetite for travel in Greece, as evidenced by the growth in passenger numbers, is reflected not only in the surge at Athens International Airport but also in the diverse range of civil aviation authority airports, such as Heraklion, Kalamata, and Astypalaia, where travel has become a prominent aspect of many people's lifestyles.
Furthermore, as the number of travelers continues to rise, the lifestyle trends of exploring new destinations and embarking on adventures remain firmly embedded in the minds of those looking to venture into Greece and beyond.
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