Greece is missing a major opportunity in one of Europe’s most lucrative travel segments, according to industry representatives, who say the country is failing to attract high-value visitors arriving by private and business aircraft.
The general aviation market—which includes private jets, corporate aircraft, air taxis and other non-commercial flights—is estimated to generate more than €100 billion in annual economic activity across Europe. Yet despite its strong tourism appeal, Greece remains largely unable to benefit from this growing sector.
Travelers using general aviation typically have significant purchasing power, spending heavily on luxury accommodation, dining, transport, car rentals and other local services. Industry representatives argue that inadequate support for general aviation is costing Greece visitors, tourism revenue and investment, particularly in the country’s islands and remote regions.
The issue was highlighted during an event organized by ICC Hellas, the Greek National Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce, which recently established an Aviation Development Division to formulate policy proposals for the government.
Industry Calls for Reform
Representatives say Greece’s regulatory framework remains unnecessarily complex and less competitive than those of other European countries.
According to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Greece, operators still face bureaucratic procedures that are uncommon elsewhere in the Schengen Area, including customs requirements for certain intra-EU flights and additional paperwork for cost-sharing flights.
Industry leaders also point to infrastructure shortcomings, including limited aircraft parking, insufficient fuel availability, restricted airport operating hours and lengthy approval procedures for landing permits. These issues, they say, discourage pilots and aircraft operators from choosing Greece as a destination.
One example cited was the inability of journalists from an international aviation magazine to land on the island of Paros for a reporting assignment because of administrative obstacles.
Regional Airport Tender Seen as Opportunity
The debate comes as Greece prepares to tender the long-term concession of 22 regional airports as a single package for approximately 40 years.
Industry stakeholders argue that the process offers a critical opportunity to ensure future airport operators accommodate general aviation needs. They are calling for guaranteed aircraft parking spaces, adequate fuel supplies, transparent airport charges, extended operating hours and clear response deadlines for prior landing approval requests.
They also propose measurable service standards for ground handling and airport operations.
Pilot Training Also Affected
The sector warns that Greece is also losing business in pilot training.
Delays in issuing long-term visas for students from non-EU countries can stretch over several months, prompting many prospective pilots to enroll in flight schools elsewhere in Europe instead.
With a full pilot training program costing more than €60,000, excluding accommodation and living expenses, industry representatives say the economic impact of these lost students is substantial.
They are also urging the government to activate the aviation tourism committee established in 2023, develop a comprehensive national strategy for general aviation and improve coordination between infrastructure planning, legislation and aviation training.
