Passenger traffic at Greek airports rose sharply in the first half of 2025, driven by strong demand for both domestic and international flights, according to official data released on Tuesday.

The 24 Greek airports managed by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) handled 4.49 million passengers between January and June, a 7.5% increase compared with 4.18 million in the same period last year.

Heraklion Airport, on the island of Crete, remained the busiest among HCAA-managed airports, processing 1.4 million passengers in June alone, a 6% year-on-year rise.

Several smaller regional airports posted significant gains. Syros Airport recorded the highest growth, with traffic more than doubling to 3,254 passengers (+112.8% y/y). Nea Anchialos Airport in central Greece saw a 51% jump to 6,362 passengers, while Naxos Airport rose 36.9% to 38,676 passengers.

Nationwide Growth in Air Travel

Across all 39 airports handling commercial flights—including those operated by Fraport Greece and Athens International Airport—passenger numbers rose 5.2% to 32.35 million in the first six months of 2025, compared to 30.74 million a year earlier.

Aircraft movements also increased, with 253,851 flights recorded between January and June, up 3.8% from 244,634 flights in the same period of 2024.

The surge in air traffic reflects Greece’s continued appeal as a top tourist destination, as well as rising domestic travel demand ahead of the peak summer season.