Six years after opening its base at Athens International Airport (AIA), low-cost airline Volotea has announced the closure of its Athens base, withdrawing the two aircraft stationed there.
Despite this decision, Volotea will continue operating in Greece, maintaining routes that connect Greek destinations with the rest of Europe. The airline emphasized that its flight schedule to and from Athens will remain unaffected by the base's closure.
Continued Growth in Greece
Over the years, Volotea has significantly expanded its presence in Greece. Recent milestones include the introduction of year-round flights from Athens to Lyon and Marseille during the current winter season.
For 2024, Volotea has planned a 23% increase in capacity at Athens International Airport compared to 2023, and a staggering 142% increase compared to its initial capacity in 2018. Across Greece, the airline aims to offer over 1.6 million seats in 2024, marking a 13% year-on-year increase. Additionally, new routes will be launched from Athens, Corfu, Kalamata, and Rhodes.
Economic Impact and Employment
As of 2024, Volotea’s Athens base employed 80 people directly and more than 450 indirectly, contributing to the local economy.
In response to the closure, Greek airline SKY express announced plans to support affected employees. The company issued a statement inviting individuals impacted by the closure to apply for roles within its growing team, offering interviews to those interested in joining.
Collaboration with AEGEAN Airlines
In September 2024, Greek carrier AEGEAN participated in Volotea’s capital increase with a €25 million investment. Additionally, AEGEAN and other shareholders provided a convertible loan of up to €50 million to the Spanish airline. While the two airlines have collaborated on codeshare flights since 2021, industry sources suggest that AEGEAN’s strategy remains distinct from Volotea’s operations.
Despite the closure of its Athens base, Volotea’s commitment to serving Greek destinations and expanding its network ensures that passengers will continue to enjoy its services across Europe.