Austria And Switzerland Turn Their Focus To Greece For 2026, With Tour Operators And Airlines Expanding Flight Networks To Meet Strong Demand

Published on November 22, 2025

Austria and Switzerland are turning their attention to Greece for 2026, as tour operators and airlines ramp up their flight offerings to meet the growing demand for Mediterranean travel. The expansion of flight networks between these countries and Greece underscores the strong appeal of Greek destinations, fueled by Greece’s rising popularity among European travelers seeking both cultural experiences and coastal relaxation.

The Greece National Tourism Organization (GNTO) Austria Office recently participated in a major roadshow across Austria, visiting key cities including Graz, Innsbruck, Brixlegg, Linz, and Vienna. This collaborative effort with prominent tour operators, including Ideal Tours and Springer Reisen, served as an ideal opportunity to present Greece’s new travel destinations, while also connecting with hundreds of tourism professionals. The event reinforced the positive outlook for the upcoming tourism season, not only from the Austrian market but also from neighboring Switzerland, which is seeing increasing interest in Greek travel.

This surge in interest is due to the success of the 2025 tourism period, which has led to a significant expansion of travel routes, with several new destinations now being added to flight schedules. The inclusion of additional Greek destinations, coupled with an increase in seat availability and extended flight operations, marks a promising development for the travel industry in both Austria and Switzerland. With airlines responding to strong demand, both countries are poised to benefit from the continued popularity of Greece as a prime travel destination.

One of the major highlights of the roadshow is the expansion of flight routes operated by Skyalps in collaboration with Ideal Tours. For the 2025 season, Corfu has been added to the list of destinations served directly from Innsbruck, joining existing routes to Preveza/Lefkada, Kefalonia, Kalamata, and Halkidiki. This marks a significant development, as it makes Greek islands more accessible to Austrian travelers. Corfu, known for its lush landscapes and stunning coastlines, is expected to be a popular addition to the direct flight network.

In addition to these developments, Springer Reisen has also made notable changes to its flight offerings. The tour operator is introducing direct flights from Vienna to Chios, adding to an already extensive program of destinations. This move allows for greater access to the islands of Greece, offering Austrian travelers more options for their holiday plans. Additionally, flights from Graz and Klagenfurt to popular Greek destinations are now available. This includes direct flights to Paros and Naxos, two islands renowned for their pristine beaches and relaxed atmospheres. Furthermore, travelers will be able to reach Santorini directly, with charter boat services connecting the island to nearby destinations such as Folegandros, Milos, and Sifnos. Skiathos, a favorite among visitors for its vibrant nightlife and picturesque beaches, is also now connected to Graz and Klagenfurt, with services to the nearby islands of Skopelos and Alonissos. Other destinations now within reach are Kos (with connections to Patmos) and Kefalonia, further broadening the scope of travel options.

As the demand for Greek destinations continues to grow, airlines are expanding their services to cater to the needs of travelers. Austrian Airlines, which has consistently been one of the major carriers between Austria and Greece, is also making significant changes to its schedule. For 2025, Austrian Airlines has added Lesvos to its list of destinations, further enhancing its portfolio of Greek cities. Lesvos, famed for its natural beauty, historic sites, and olive oil production, is expected to attract visitors seeking both relaxation and cultural immersion. Additionally, the airline’s flight to Lemnos will continue for a second year, ensuring that travelers can reach this lesser-known but equally charming destination.

Austrian Airlines has also reinforced its status as the only carrier connecting a wide range of Greek destinations to Austria. The airline’s network includes Athens, Thessaloniki, Skiathos, Kalamata, Heraklion, Chania, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Kos, Karpathos, Lemnos, Lesvos, Samos, Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Preveza, and Patras. This extensive network ensures that Austrian tourists can explore almost every corner of Greece, offering travelers an array of options to suit their preferences, whether they’re looking for ancient ruins, stunning beaches, or lively towns.

In addition to Austrian Airlines, Swiss carrier Edelweiss is enhancing its service to Greece. From April to November, Edelweiss will operate direct flights from Zurich to 12 popular Greek destinations. These include Chania, Heraklion, Corfu, Kos, Kalamata, Mykonos, Rhodes, Samos, Santorini, Zakynthos, Skiathos, and Preveza. The introduction of these routes is set to further cement Greece’s position as a top destination for Swiss travelers, offering easy access to some of the most iconic and beautiful spots across the Greek islands.

On November 8, the GNTO also showcased Greece’s rich wine culture during a special event held in Sierre de Valais, Switzerland. The evening, which focused on Greek wine-making traditions, saw Santorini featured as the guest of honor. The event was organized by the Wine Museum in collaboration with the Department of Commercial and Economic Affairs of the Greek Embassy in Bern, with the support of the GNTO Austria/Switzerland Office. The exhibition, which will run until the end of November, offers visitors a chance to explore Greece’s exceptional wine-making heritage, with a particular focus on the renowned wines from Santorini, known for their unique volcanic soil.

The event was attended by local authorities from Sierre, who gave the Greek delegation a warm welcome. Visitors were invited to experience Santorini through a curated selection of photographic and audiovisual materials, highlighting the island’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. The evening was complemented by the opportunity to taste exceptional wines, offering a sensory journey through one of Greece’s most celebrated wine regions.

Austria and Switzerland are boosting their focus on Greece for 2026, as airlines and tour operators expand flight networks to meet the increasing demand for Greek destinations, driven by the region’s growing popularity among travelers.

The expansion of flight routes, the introduction of new destinations, and the continued emphasis on Greek culture and tourism are key factors contributing to the growing appeal of Greece as a top destination for Austrian and Swiss travelers. With a promising tourism season on the horizon, Greece is well-positioned to welcome even more visitors in the coming years. The Greek tourism industry’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and promoting its diverse attractions ensures that both first-time visitors and repeat travelers will continue to explore the beauty and charm of Greece for years to come.