Greek Airports Post 9.1% Traffic Growth in Jan–Feb 2026

• 25 March, 26

Passenger traffic across all 39 Greek airports rose by 9.1 percent in the first two months of 2026, reaching 5,809,923 travelers compared to 5,327,665 during the same period last year, according to data released by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) and the Hellenic Aviation Service Provider (HASP).

The figures include traffic from 24 state-managed airports, Athens International Airport (AIA) and 14 regional airports operated by Fraport Greece.

Aircraft movements (arrivals and departures, domestic and international) also increased, rising by 7.2 percent year-on-year to 50,517 flights, up from 47,106 in January–February 2025.

Industry analysts view the strong start to 2026 as an early indication of another solid tourism year, pointing to sustained growth if current trends continue.

HCAA-managed airports post double-digit growth

Passenger traffic across the 24 airports managed by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) – including those in Heraklion, Kalamata, Alexandroupolis, Limnos, Ioannina, Chios, Paros, Naxos, Milos, Skyros, Sitia  grew by 10 percent during the first two months of 2026.

Total passenger numbers reached 475,376, up from 432,202 in the same period last year, covering both domestic and international arrivals and departures.

February recorded particularly strong momentum, with traffic across the HCAA network increasing by 18.3 percent year-on-year.

Heraklion Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” handled the highest passenger volume among the state-managed airports, recording a 19.4 percent increase in February, with 149,435 passengers compared to 125,133 a year earlier.

Athens Airport traffic continues strong growth

Passenger traffic at Athens Airport reached 3.97 million in the first two months of 2026, marking a 10.8 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

In February alone, the airport handled 1.98 million passengers, up 13.1 percent year-on-year, with both domestic and international traffic recording solid gains.

Aircraft movements also rose during the January–February period, increasing by 8.3 percent to 34,469 flights.

Fraport Greece airports maintain upward trend

Passenger traffic across the 14 regional airports operated by Fraport Greece reached approximately 1.44 million in the first two months of 2026, reflecting an 8.6 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

In February, traffic rose by 9.1 percent year-on-year to 720,000 passengers, supported by higher load factors and continued demand across the network.

Aircraft movements across the airports also increased, reaching 14,351 flights in the January–February period, up 7.8 percent year-on-year.

Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia” remained the main contributor to growth, while Santorini recorded one of the strongest percentage increases, reflecting a return to normal traffic levels following last year’s disruptions.

Cre: Greek Travel Pages