Greek airport passenger traffic recorded strong growth in the first two months of 2025, with the 24 airports operated by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) reporting a 14.3% increase compared with the same period in 2024. The upward trend highlights the momentum of Greece’s aviation sector, pointing to stronger demand for both domestic and international travel.
Passenger traffic climbs at HCAA-operated airports
According to official HCAA statistics, the 24 airports handled a total of 426,755 passengers in January and February 2025, up from 373,518 in the corresponding period of 2024. The increase reflects stronger travel demand, supported by improving economic conditions and greater air connectivity.
The 24 airports operated by the HCAA are Heraklion, Kalamata, Alexandroupolis, Limnos, Astypalaia, Ioannina, Chios, Kozani, Kastoria, Karpathos, Kythira, Milos, Skyros, Nea Anchialos, Paros, Syros, Araxos, Naxos, Kalymnos, Ikaria, Kastellorizo, Kasos, Leros and Sitia.
Heraklion Airport leads with 30% growth
Heraklion’s Nikos Kazantzakis Airport in Crete recorded the strongest growth in passenger traffic in February 2025, with a 30% increase. The airport handled 125,133 passengers, compared with 96,267 in February 2024.
Passenger traffic also increased at:
- Chios Airport: up 12.2%
- Kasos Airport: up 6.5%
These increases indicate that growth in air travel extends beyond major urban centres to regional airports, supporting tourism and local economic activity.
Passenger traffic across Greece’s 39 airports rises 6.1%
The upward trend was also reflected in the combined figures for Greece’s 39 airports: the 24 operated by the HCAA, the 14 managed by Fraport Greece and Athens International Airport.
In January and February 2025:
- Total passenger traffic reached 5,322,218, up 6.1% from 5,018,004 in the same period of 2024.
- Aircraft movements increased by 3.2%, reaching 46,900, compared with 45,464 a year earlier.
What rising airport traffic means for Greece’s economy
The increase in passenger traffic at Greek airports points to continued growth in tourism and transport. As Greece remains a leading international tourism destination, rising traffic supports:
- Local and national economic activity
- Air connectivity
- Investment in aviation
- Tourism development in both established and lesser-known destinations
Growing demand at major and regional airports underlines the importance of upgrading infrastructure and ensuring airports can efficiently accommodate increasing passenger numbers.
