Germany, UK And Turkey Lead Airline Seat Growth In Rhodes And Thessaloniki For Winter With Major Increases From Key Markets

Published on November 29, 2025

Germany, the UK, and Turkey are leading the charge in airline seat growth for the winter season in Rhodes and Thessaloniki, with significant increases from these key markets. This surge reflects strong demand and strategic airline expansions aimed at bolstering connectivity to these popular Mediterranean destinations. The growing availability of flights from these countries highlights the regions’ rising appeal to winter travelers, further enhancing their status as year-round destinations. This growth also aligns with broader trends in European travel, as travelers seek warmer climates and unique experiences during the colder months.

Rhodes has experienced impressive growth, with a significant 41.9% increase in international flight positions compared to the previous year. This surge highlights the island’s growing appeal as a year-round destination, especially for winter travel. In comparison, Thessaloniki has not only maintained its strong international presence but has also expanded its reach, recording a 9.2% rise in available international positions. This brings Thessaloniki’s total to 951,112 seats for the period of November–March, reflecting its increasingly important role as a key winter travel hub in Northern Greece.

Winter Market Trends in Rhodes

In Rhodes, the winter market trends are becoming increasingly evident. The United Kingdom is leading the charge, with a 37.8% increase in available positions, jumping from 10,449 to 14,394. This growth underscores the island’s appeal to British travelers during the winter months, a market that has traditionally been strong during the summer season but is now expanding into the off-season. Germany follows closely, with an impressive 66% increase, from 7,177 positions last year to 11,917 this year. This significant rise solidifies Germany’s position as a key winter market for Rhodes—something that, just a few years ago, was uncertain.

Finland also shows steady growth, with a 31.4% increase in available positions, reaching 1,632, while France reports a 12.8% uptick. These countries are contributing to the winter tourism boom, and the growth in these markets is helping to diversify the island’s seasonal appeal.

The most remarkable growth, however, comes from Israel, which has more than doubled the number of available positions. The market grew by an impressive 106.2%, rising from 567 positions last year to 1,169 this year. This is the largest percentage increase from all the island’s major markets, and it highlights Rhodes’ expanding appeal in the Middle Eastern market. On the other hand, Austria is the only major market to experience a decline, with a 5.1% drop in available positions compared to last year.

Other smaller European markets are also contributing to the growth. The Czech Republic saw a nearly 60% increase in positions, rising to 905, while Switzerland saw a 32.6% rise. Belgium, a smaller market for Rhodes, saw a remarkable 103.2% increase, from 186 to 378 positions, signaling the growing flow of visitors from even smaller European countries.

In total, Rhodes has increased its available flight spots from 24,851 last winter to 35,265 this year—one of the largest increases recorded this year for a Greek destination. What stands out about this growth is not just the overall volume but also the diversification of markets. It’s not only the United Kingdom that is contributing to this growth, but there is also a noticeable increase from Central and Northern European markets. This is closely tied to the growing demand for city breaks and the appeal of soft winter sun trips, both of which are becoming increasingly popular.

Thessaloniki’s Expanding Role as a Winter Hub

Thessaloniki’s growth, while still impressive, is somewhat more complex and far-reaching. The city has seen a rise from 871,231 to 951,112 available international seats during the November–March period. Germany remains the largest market for Thessaloniki, with 318,437 available positions, reflecting a 6.5% increase from last year. Cyprus follows with 94,923 positions, but it shows a 13.9% decrease compared to the previous year, signaling a potential slowdown in demand from that region. Meanwhile, Italy remains one of Thessaloniki’s stable markets, seeing a modest 4.5% growth to 69,712 positions.

Turkey, however, shows a much stronger performance, with a 48.7% increase, bringing the total number of available positions to 58,747. This rise is largely driven by strengthened connections between Thessaloniki and key Turkish cities, particularly Istanbul and Izmir, which are becoming increasingly important for the region’s tourism.

The United Kingdom also shows growth, with a 17.6% increase, bringing the total to 51,336 positions. More surprisingly, Poland has made notable strides, with a 46.6% increase, further enhancing Thessaloniki’s appeal as a winter destination for Central and Eastern European travelers.

The most impressive growth in Thessaloniki, however, comes from Israel, where the number of available positions has surged by 129.3%, rising from 12,428 positions to 28,498 for the winter months. This dramatic increase highlights the growing importance of the Israeli market for Thessaloniki, making it one of the standout performers in the city’s winter tourism landscape.

Sweden’s performance is equally striking, with a 161.6% increase, bringing its available positions to 23,613. Belgium also saw a slight increase of 2.8%, further contributing to the steady demand for Thessaloniki’s winter offerings.

Comparing Rhodes and Thessaloniki

The comparison between Rhodes and Thessaloniki reveals two different approaches to growth in the winter tourism market. Rhodes is expanding its seasonal offerings by capturing a larger share of winter market demand. It is making significant inroads into traditionally summer-heavy markets, while also diversifying its base with new arrivals from Central and Northern Europe. This strategic expansion of Rhodes’ winter offerings signals a maturing tourism market on the island, with winter sun breaks and city tourism programs leading the way.

Thessaloniki, on the other hand, is solidifying its position as a consistent high-volume winter hub, attracting more international connections and expanding its demand base. With notable increases from markets such as Israel, Poland, and Turkey, Thessaloniki continues to strengthen its role as a key winter destination for business and leisure travelers alike.

Germany, the UK, and Turkey are driving significant airline seat growth in Rhodes and Thessaloniki this winter, fueled by increased demand and expanded flight options to these popular Mediterranean destinations.

In summary, both destinations are showing impressive growth, but while Rhodes is diversifying its offerings and expanding its market base, Thessaloniki is positioning itself as a high-volume player with an emphasis on city breaks, business tourism, and international connectivity.