Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" is preparing for a major expansion, with works set to begin in the first quarter of 2025. This €650 million investment will allow the airport to handle 33 million passengers annually by 2028. The expansion comes as the airport nears its capacity limits, with passenger numbers reaching 24.6 million from January to September 2024, a 13.3% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
The expansion aligns with projections from the European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation (Eurocontrol), which forecasts continued growth in flights to Greece until at least 2029. In 2023, the airport served 28.17 million passengers, with that number expected to exceed 31.5 million by the end of 2024.
Key Project Features
The project will increase the terminal area by 81,000 square meters, adding new lounges, boarding areas, an expanded check-in area, a new baggage claim hall, and additional retail and office spaces. A new parking strip for 32 aircraft, two additional jet bridges, and a VIP terminal will also be developed. Additionally, a multi-story parking facility is planned.
Athens International Airport has seen significant growth in connectivity, particularly with the United States. The airport now serves 1 million passengers from the U.S., with traffic increasing by 51% compared to 2019. In 2025, airlines like American, Delta, and United are set to add new routes and increase flight frequencies between Athens and various U.S. destinations.
The expansion project is part of the airport's broader strategy to boost passenger traffic and improve infrastructure to meet growing demand. With continued growth expected in Greek tourism and aviation, this investment aims to solidify Athens as a key international travel hub.
