Athens International Airport has been named the best airport in Europe among hubs handling more than 30 million passengers annually, capping a period of record growth that has transformed Greece’s largest airport into one of the continent’s leading aviation success stories.
The distinction was awarded by Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe), which recognized Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” for its operational performance, passenger experience, and management excellence in one of the most competitive categories in European aviation.
The award comes as the airport continues to post impressive traffic figures and strengthen its position as a major gateway between Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, and beyond.
Record passenger growth continues
Athens International Airport handled 15.75 million passengers during the first six months of 2026, representing an increase of 6.6 percent compared with the same period last year.
International traffic remained the main driver of growth, rising by 7.9 percent year-on-year, while domestic passenger numbers increased by 3.1 percent.
Aircraft movements also increased during the first half of the year, reaching nearly 136,000 flights, up 4.3 percent from the corresponding period in 2025.
The figures reinforce Athens Airport’s status as one of Europe’s fastest-growing major hubs and suggest that the airport is on track for another record year after surpassing the 30 million passenger mark for the first time in its history in 2025.
From Olympic infrastructure to European leader
More than two decades after opening ahead of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, “Eleftherios Venizelos” has evolved from a regional gateway into one of southeastern Europe’s most important airports.
The airport now connects Greece with destinations across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, while increasingly serving as a transfer hub for travelers moving between continents.
Industry observers have credited efficient operations, continued investment in digital services, and the successful attraction of new airlines and routes for the airport’s rapid rise.
The airport’s strong recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic also attracted attention across the aviation industry, with Athens outperforming many larger European competitors in the pace of its rebound.
Reflecting Greece’s tourism boom
The airport’s success mirrors Greece’s broader tourism growth and Athens’ emergence as a destination in its own right rather than simply a stopover for travelers heading to the islands.
Record visitor arrivals, expanding airline networks, and growing demand for year-round tourism have all contributed to the airport’s expansion.
Airport authorities are already moving forward with plans to increase capacity and improve infrastructure as passenger numbers continue to rise.
The latest European distinction confirms Athens International Airport’s position not only as Greece’s principal gateway to the world but also as one of Europe’s standout aviation success stories.
Related: Athens Airport Redesign: A Bold Transformation to Enhance Capacity
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