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In a remarkable achievement, Athens International Airport (AIA) has set a new record by welcoming over 28 million passengers in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by nearly 10 percent. This milestone marks a significant recovery and growth for the airport, reflecting the resilience and appeal of Athens as a global travel destination.
A Year of Unprecedented Growth
Athens International Airport witnessed a total of 28,174,150 passengers in 2023, a substantial increase from the 25.57 million recorded in 2019. This growth not only signifies a rebound from the pandemic-induced downturn but also sets a new benchmark for the airport’s performance.
Surpassing Previous Records
The year 2023 saw Athens Airport outperform its 2022 figures by 24 percent, with both domestic and international passenger traffic exceeding the previous year’s levels by 18.9 percent and 26.4 percent, respectively. This growth also surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with increases of 13.3 percent for domestic and 8.8 percent for international passengers.
Monthly Milestones
Athens Airport’s record-breaking year was highlighted by consistent monthly increases in passenger traffic. Notably, in November, the airport broke its 2019 record, and in December alone, it experienced a 17.1 percent increase compared to December 2022, and a 13.6 percent rise over December 2019 figures.
Flight Statistics and Tourism Impact
In 2023, Athens International Airport handled a total of 241,604 flights, marking a 13.2 percent increase from 2022 and a 7.1 percent rise from pre-pandemic levels. Both domestic and international flights saw significant increases, with domestic flights up by 10.5 percent and international flights by 4.6 percent compared to 2019.
Boost to Greece’s Tourism Sector
The Bank of Greece revealed that the country’s tourism sector significantly recovered from COVID-related impacts in the first ten months of 2023. Tourism receipts for January to October exceeded all travel receipts in 2019, with a cumulative travel revenue of €19.6 billion, a 14.7 percent increase over the same period in 2022.
Conclusion
The record-breaking performance of Athens International Airport in 2023 is a testament to the enduring appeal of Athens and Greece as premier travel destinations. This achievement not only highlights the airport’s operational excellence but also underscores the broader recovery and growth of Greece’s tourism sector. As Athens International Airport continues to set new benchmarks, it remains a pivotal gateway to exploring the rich cultural and historical heritage of Greece.