Athens Airport Expected to Break Passenger Traffic Records as New CEO Takes Office

Published on December 23, 2025

The Athens International Airport is set to record a record-high number of 34 million passengers towards the end of 2025, a remarkable rise from the previous record of 31.9 million airline passengers recorded in 2024. The airport has managed this impressive feat, especially at the end of the year, and this is a remarkable sign that reflects the recovery and overall rise in international and domestic travel.

Greece’s Recovery Fuels Growth at Athens International Airport
Outgoing CEO Yiannis Paraschis, who has led Athens International Airport since its opening in 2001, shared his insights into the factors driving this growth. He attributed much of the increase in passenger traffic to the broader recovery of Greece’s economy and tourism sector. The surge in travel by both international visitors and Greeks exploring their own country has been a crucial contributor to this success.

The increase in passenger numbers is also a reflection of the heightened interest in Greece as a tourist destination, as well as the country’s strategic positioning as a hub for both leisure and business travel. The airport’s ability to handle such a surge in traffic is a testament to its capacity and the ongoing efforts to modernize and expand its infrastructure.

New CEO Giorgos Kallimasias Takes Office in February 2026
Giorgos Kallimasias, who will officially take over as CEO on February 1, 2026, succeeds Yiannis Paraschis. Kallimasias, who has worked at the airport since 1999 and closely with Paraschis since 2005, is well-positioned to lead Athens International Airport into its next phase of development. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly the airport’s ongoing infrastructure projects, which aim to further improve passenger experience and operational efficiency.

“I am taking over an organization that is operating at a high level,” Kallimasias stated. However, he emphasized the challenges that come with overseeing such a significant expansion project, including potential disruptions to passenger experience due to ongoing construction work. Despite these challenges, Kallimasias remains confident that the outcome will be a fully modernized and more efficient Athens International Airport, ready to accommodate the growing demand for air travel.

A Major Expansion Project Underway
One of the primary challenges that Kallimasias will face in the coming years is the ongoing expansion of Athens International Airport’s facilities. The airport has already awarded a contract for a new parking area, and a central terminal expansion project worth 1 billion euros is set to be completed by 2032. This large-scale project will involve extensive renovations and the addition of new facilities to better handle the increasing number of passengers expected to pass through the airport in the coming years.

While the construction process may cause temporary inconvenience for travelers, the results are expected to transform the airport into a state-of-the-art hub that is both passenger-friendly and operationally efficient. “This is perhaps the most important challenge for the coming years,” said Kallimasias, highlighting the significance of the expansion to both the airport’s long-term growth and its ability to serve an ever-expanding tourism market.

A Strong Legacy of Leadership and Growth
Paraschis, who is set to transition into an advisory role, reflected on the accomplishments of Athens International Airport over the past three decades. Under his leadership, the airport became a cornerstone of Greece’s tourism infrastructure, contributing significantly to the growth of the Greek tourism industry. As he prepares to step down as CEO, Paraschis emphasized that the leadership transition to Kallimasias is a sign of continuity and confidence in the airport’s strategic direction.

“We are putting a small stone in the country’s effort to distinguish itself as a tourist destination worldwide,” Paraschis said. He expressed pride in the work that had been done during his tenure and in the lasting impact Athens International Airport has had on Greece’s global reputation as a leading tourist destination. Paraschis also noted that the ongoing expansion projects and modernization efforts are set to position the airport as a leader in the European aviation industry.

Impact on Travel and Tourism in Greece
The airport’s growth directly correlates with the overall growth in Greece’s tourism sector. As more tourists choose Greece for their vacations, Athens International Airport plays a critical role in facilitating smooth travel experiences. Increased passenger traffic, especially during peak travel seasons like summer and the holiday season, underscores the importance of continued investment in infrastructure.

In addition to international tourists, Greek nationals are also contributing to the growth in air travel. With more Greeks traveling abroad and exploring other parts of their own country, the rise in domestic travel has helped Athens International Airport maintain strong traffic levels even in off-peak periods. This trend reflects a broader global movement toward increased mobility and the reopening of international borders after the pandemic.

As tourism numbers continue to rise, the expansion of Athens International Airport will be vital in maintaining the city’s position as a key European hub. By modernizing its facilities and expanding its capacity, the airport will be well-equipped to handle future growth, ensuring a seamless experience for travelers visiting Greece.

Looking Ahead: A Promising Future for Athens International Airport

With the onset of a new era for Athens International Airport, headed by Giorgos Kallimasias, the future for the airport and the tourism industry of Greece looks bright. The record broken for passenger numbers in 2025 provides a bright start for the future, and the developments underway promise to strengthen the role that the airport plays and will continue to play in the inter-connected travel world.