Heraklion, Kalamata, Alexandroupoli, Limnos, Chios, Kozani, Astypalaia And Others In Greece Record Sharp Rise In Passenger Numbers As CAA Airports Achieve More Than Eight Percent Surge

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Heraklion, Kalamata, Alexandroupoli, Limnos, Chios, Kozani, Astypalaia, and other regional airports across Greece have collectively reported a sharp rise in passenger numbers during the first five months of twenty twenty-five, reflecting a notable rebound in domestic and international air travel. According to the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the twenty-four airports under its management recorded a more than eight percent year-on-year increase, handling over two point seven million passengers from January through May—up from approximately two point five million during the same period in twenty twenty-four. This growth underscores the expanding role of regional airports in Greece’s aviation network and highlights strong travel demand across both island and mainland destinations.

Greece Aviation Sector Soars in Early 2025 with Over Eight Percent Passenger Growth at CAA-Operated Airports

Greece’s aviation industry continues to display a resilient upward trajectory, with strong growth in both passenger numbers and flight operations across the country. According to newly released data from the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the first five months of 2025 recorded a notable increase in air traffic, highlighting the country’s steady recovery and rising demand for both domestic and international travel.

Passenger Growth at CAA Airports Surpasses Eight Percent

From January through May 2025, a total of 2,708,965 passengers travelled through the twenty-four airports operated directly by the CAA. This figure reflects an 8.2 percent increase compared to the 2,504,584 passengers recorded during the same period in 2024. The growth comes amid enhanced connectivity, seasonal demand, and an improving international travel climate.

The twenty-four CAA-managed regional airports, which play a pivotal role in serving less urbanised and island destinations, include Heraklion, Kalamata, Alexandroupoli, Limnos, Astypalaia, Ioannina, Chios, Kozani, Kastoria, Karpathos, Kythira, Milos, Skyros, Nea Anchialos, Paros, Syros, Araxos, Naxos, Kalymnos, Ikaria, Kastelorizo, Kasos, Leros, and Sitia.

These airports not only serve local residents but also form essential gateways for domestic tourism and inter-island connectivity. The jump in passenger figures illustrates a growing reliance on air transport among residents, tourists, and business travellers alike.

Total Passenger Numbers Across All Airports Exceed Twenty-One Million

When considering all thirty-nine commercial airports in Greece—comprising the twenty-four operated by the CAA, fourteen managed by Fraport Greece, and Athens International Airport (AIA)—the national picture shows an even broader rise in aviation demand. From January to May 2025, these airports handled a combined 21,830,648 passengers, up from 20,518,545 in the same period of 2024. This represents an impressive 6.4 percent year-on-year increase in total air passenger traffic.

The statistics highlight growing confidence among travellers, strengthened air connectivity, and continued interest in Greece as a year-round destination. Airports managed by Fraport Greece (including key locations such as Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, and Thessaloniki) and Athens International Airport continue to act as high-capacity entry points for international travellers, while CAA airports ensure efficient regional access across the Aegean and mainland areas.

Aircraft Movements Up by Over Five Percent Nationally

Alongside the increase in passenger numbers, the total number of aircraft movements—encompassing both arrivals and departures—also saw a healthy boost. Across all thirty-nine monitored airports, 177,397 flights were recorded between January and May 2025, a 5.2 percent increase compared to 168,604 aircraft movements in the same months of 2024.

This growth reflects both increased frequency of scheduled services and a broader return to full operational capacity by various domestic and international carriers. The uptick in aircraft movements also suggests enhanced fleet utilisation, additional seasonal routes, and greater interest in secondary Greek airports for point-to-point connections.

Contributing Factors: Tourism, Connectivity, and Economic Confidence

Several factors have likely contributed to this rise in aviation activity. First and foremost, Greece remains a magnet for international tourism, with sustained demand from European markets, particularly the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. The country’s well-developed air infrastructure allows for seamless travel to islands and coastal towns that are otherwise difficult to reach by land or sea.

Secondly, improvements in regional connectivity and the expansion of air services by both legacy and low-cost carriers have played a crucial role. Airlines such as Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, Sky Express, and Wizz Air have actively added capacity on domestic and short-haul European routes, further driving volume.

Additionally, growing economic stability and rising disposable income among both residents and visitors have encouraged more frequent air travel. The removal of pandemic-era travel restrictions has also paved the way for stronger year-round demand, with tourism boards and local authorities investing in extended-season marketing strategies.

Strategic Importance of CAA Airports

The performance of the twenty-four CAA-operated airports is especially significant as they serve as the backbone of connectivity for numerous remote and island regions. These facilities, often overlooked in favour of Greece’s larger gateways, are instrumental in supporting regional development, healthcare access, and social mobility.

Their improved performance in 2025 is not only a sign of air travel recovery but also a testament to the effectiveness of public infrastructure planning and investment in less-centralised transport hubs. Many of these airports, such as those in Syros, Leros, and Kastelorizo, handle smaller aircraft and serve niche markets, yet they provide irreplaceable lifelines for their communities.

Outlook for the Remainder of 2025

Looking ahead, the trajectory suggests continued growth throughout the peak summer months and beyond. As global tourism rebounds and Greece retains its appeal as a safe, scenic, and culturally rich destination, airport traffic is expected to climb further. Ongoing projects in digital infrastructure, upgraded terminals, and route diversification will likely sustain momentum.

Heraklion, Kalamata, Alexandroupoli, Limnos, Chios, Kozani, Astypalaia, and other Greek airports managed by the CAA recorded over eight percent passenger growth in the first five months of twenty twenty-five. The surge brought total traffic to more than two point seven million travellers, marking a strong recovery in regional air travel.

The Civil Aviation Authority and its stakeholders are poised to capitalise on this growth through strategic planning, ensuring that both international and domestic passengers enjoy seamless, safe, and efficient travel experiences.