Athens International Airport undergoing expansion to keep up with high demand

Athens International Airport (AIA) is currently undergoing an expansion that will help it deal with passenger traffic which has risen significantly over the past few years.

The project is being carried out by the company Aktor and is the first step in what is meant to be a major project over the upcoming years.

The current 18-million-euro project is set for completion by the end of May next year and focuses on the expansion of the main terminal by 14,950 square meters to the southwest.

The airport handled a record 21.7 million passengers in 2017, with a growing network of 137 destinations operated by 60 airlines. Among the most significant additions to Athens’ connectivity was the launch of direct long-haul connections to Beijing, New York, and Singapore.

The dynamic trend has continued in 2018, with 10.9% growth to over eight million passengers in the first six months of the year. While domestic traffic grew slightly, there was a sharp increase of 16.2% in the number of international travellers. Additionally, to date, foreign residents’ international arrivals grew by 25%. The figures for the summer season are also impressive, with four new airlines (Cyprus Airways, Flynas, Primera Air, Wizz Air), a new based airline (Volotea), 49 new routes, 24 new destinations, and 320 new weekly flights. Frequencies have also been increased on 26 existing destinations, notably Air China adding a third weekly flight on its Beijing route, and Scoot with a fourth weekly frequency to Singapore.

Athens Venizelos Airport also has a progressive environmental agenda and is one of the first airports to invest in solar technology, building a €20 million photovoltaic park on the airport site, as a source of clean, sustainable power.

Planning of other works is also underway, regarding operational facilities for departures and arrivals, enhanced passport control for departing passengers, additional check-in and ticket counters, as well as new retail and food & beverage areas.

Meanwhile, renovation of the main terminal building toilet facilities is expected to be finished in October 2018.