Greece International Air Arrivals Rise 5.9% in 2025, Driven by Market Diversity and Off-Season Growth :: Hospitality Trends

Greece recorded a 5.9% increase in international air arrivals in 2025, reaching 31 million passengers, with notable growth in Athens and Thessaloniki, a more diverse market mix, and signs of an extended tourist season, according to a new INSETE study.

Overview of International Air Arrivals

Greece’s international air arrivals reached 31.0 million in 2025, marking a 5.9% increase compared to 2024, when 29.3 million arrivals were registered. The growth was particularly strong at the country’s two largest airports, Athens International Airport (AIA) and Thessaloniki Airport, which, together with regional airports, contributed to the overall positive trend.

The data, compiled by INSETE using information from Athens International Airport, Fraport Greece, and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), covers a wide range of airports across the country. These include major hubs such as Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as regional airports in Heraklion, Chania, Corfu, Rhodes, Kos, Mykonos, and Santorini.

Airport Performance in 2025

Athens International Airport handled 12.0 million international arrivals in 2025, up by 989,000 passengers or 9.0% from the previous year. Thessaloniki Airport saw 2.7 million international arrivals, an increase of 249,000 passengers or 10.2%. Regional airports collectively recorded 16.3 million arrivals, up 486,000, or 3.1%, from 2024.

The five busiest airports—Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Rhodes, and Corfu—accounted for 77% of all international arrivals in 2025.

Market Diversification

The top 20 source markets made up 89% of international air arrivals, but no single market exceeded 17.4% of the total, indicating a broad distribution of visitors. The United Kingdom remained the largest market, with 5.4 million arrivals, a 3.5% increase from 2024. Germany followed with 5.1 million arrivals, showing the largest absolute increase of 279,000 passengers (5.8%).

For Athens International Airport, the top five markets were Italy, Germany, the UK, France, and Cyprus. Thessaloniki’s top markets were Germany, the UK, Cyprus, Italy, and Poland. Regional airports saw the most arrivals from the UK, Germany, Italy, Poland, and France.

Notable Percentage Increases

Among all markets, Israel showed the highest percentage increase in arrivals, up by 27.2%. The United States and Turkey also saw significant growth, with arrivals increasing by 18.5% and 14.5%, respectively.

Tourist Season Trends

July remained the peak month for international air arrivals, with 5.2 million passengers accounting for 16.6% of the annual total. However, the study highlighted a trend toward an extended tourist season. While the May–September period saw single-digit growth, higher increases were recorded at the beginning and end of the year. This suggests a growing demand for off-season travel and opportunities to further develop tourism products outside the traditional peak months.

Data Notes and Methodology

The study’s figures differ from those in monthly statistical bulletins due to the inclusion of additional airports, data revisions, and a broader definition of international arrivals that includes returning Greek residents. The analysis provides a comprehensive overview of air travel trends and market composition for Greece in 2024 and 2025.