International markets are the force behind the growth of Athens International Airport traffic, as they keep bring more passengers at a steady pace. Europe and North America almost monopolize the international network, showing the importance of mature markets for Greek tourism.

The top 19 countries of origin of travelers have the lion’s share, as they account for approximately 85% of all foreign travelers utilizing through the country’s main airport. International passenger traffic grew by 1.47 million in the first nine months of 2025 year-on-year, recording an 8.5% increase.

European markets dominate the rankings, with Italy in first place, recording 1.8 million passengers in the first nine months of 2025, an increase of 3% from the same period in 2024. Germany follows in second with 1.63 million passengers, with a slight decrease of 1%. The top three is completed by the United Kingdom with 1.56 million passengers, an increase of 5%.

The United States appears in fourth place, showing an impressive annual increase: Traffic reached 1.25 million, with a rise of 21%, thanks mainly to the addition of new direct flights on the route, on which five airlines operate. France completes the top five, also with 1.25 million passengers, recording a 2% increase, while Cyprus ranks sixth with 1.13 million and 9% growth.

The number of passengers to or from Turkey in January-September ended at just under 1 million (+12%), with Spain following in eighth place with 920,000 passengers and a double-digit increase of 13%. The top 10 is completed by Israel with 900,000 (+25%) and Switzerland with 670,000 (+8%), while the top 12 is completed by the Netherlands with 560,000 passengers (+9%), and the United Arab Emirates with 480,000 (+11%), spearheaded by the Dubai-Athens connection.

Poland is next with 450,000 passengers (+16%), Belgium with 390,000 (+5%), Austria with 390,000 (0%), Canada with 380,000 (+6%), Egypt with 290,000 (+16%), Albania with 270,000 (+29%), and Denmark with 260,000 (-3%). The other markets share the remaining 24.7% of passenger traffic.

Source: Ekathimerini.com