Athens International Airport (AIA) has cemented its position as a major player in Europe’s aviation landscape, achieving remarkable milestones in 2024. Ranked eighth among Europe’s top 10 airports, AIA recorded 268,300 flights, marking an 11% increase from 2023. This impressive growth underscores its rising prominence in the region’s aviation sector.
### A Historic Year for AIA
The airport’s success wasn’t limited to flight numbers. Passenger traffic reached a historic high of 31.85 million,a 13.1% surge compared to the previous year. This growth was driven by a 7.3% increase in domestic passengers and a 15.7% rise in international travellers, reflecting AIA’s strong recovery post-pandemic.
### Leading the Way in Charter Flights
Athens International Airport also emerged as Europe’s leader in non-scheduled charter flights, with a 5.5% share. This outperformed Vienna’s 4.6% and Madrid’s 4.5%, solidifying AIA’s reputation as a hub for flexible travel options.
### Expansion plans to Meet Growing demand
To accommodate its rising passenger and flight numbers, AIA has embarked on ambitious expansion projects. These include a seven-level parking facility with space for 3,500 cars, complete with electric vehicle charging stations, and a new aircraft parking area capable of handling 32 planes. These upgrades aim to enhance the airport’s capacity and efficiency, ensuring a seamless experience for travellers.
### Europe’s Busiest Airports in 2024
Here’s a look at the top 10 busiest airports in Europe for 2024:
| Rank | Airport | Flights Recorded |
|——|—————————–|——————|
| 1 | Amsterdam’s “Schiphol” | 484,000 |
| 2 | Paris’ “Charles de Gaulle” | 463,000 |
| 3 | Frankfurt Airport | 437,000 |
| 4 | Madrid’s “Barajas” | – |
| 5 | Barcelona’s “El Prat” | – |
| 6 | Munich Airport | – |
| 7 | Rome’s “Fiumicino” | - |
| 8 | Athens International Airport| 268,300 |
| 9 | Vienna’s “Schwechat” | – |
| 10 | Dublin Airport | - |
### A Gateway to Greece and Beyond
With its record-breaking performance and strategic expansion plans, Athens International Airport has firmly established itself as a key gateway to Greece and Europe. Its ability to adapt and grow in a competitive landscape highlights its commitment to excellence and innovation in aviation.
For more insights into AIA’s achievements, visit the full report.
