Athens International Airport is constantly confirming its position as one of the most resilient and dynamic aviation hubs in Europe, maintaining a positive course into 2026, despite the challenges posed by geopolitical instability in the Middle East.

2025 was a landmark year, as “Eleftherios Venizelos” recorded historic highs in both passenger traffic and connectivity, further strengthening Athens’ position on the European aviation map.

Athens International Airport served 164 destinations in 55 countries, via 70 airlines, setting a new historical record.

This performance reflects both the strengthening of tourism demand for Athens and the strategic cooperation with airlines for the development of new routes. At the same time, Athens recorded an impressive rise in the international connectivity ranking, moving up from 21st place in 2019 to 2nd place in 2025 and ranking among major European airports.

The main objective, as AIA CEO George Kallimasias stressed at the regular general meeting of shareholders, remains the steady enhancement of the airport’s value through the development of the network and the attraction of new markets.
In this direction, the airport’s expansion programme is proceeding at a steady pace, with the aim of gradually increasing service capacity to 40 million passengers per year by 2032, enhancing not only capacity but also the quality of services.

The total investment programme is estimated at around €1,300 million (at 2024 prices) and is being implemented in stages from 2025 to 2032, with up to 50% of the total investment expected to be carried out by 2028.

According to CEO George Kallimasia, the relevant financing needs have already been secured until 2028/2029, through a bond loan of €806 million from Alpha Bank, as well as through the planned increase in the Aviation Activities Capital of up to €240 million under the approved Scrip Dividend Reinvestment Programme for the period 2025-2028. However, inflationary pressures due to international developments are expected to adjust upwards the expenditure of the investment programme, as the budget of EUR 1.3 billion is based on 2024 prices. The final cost, according to management, will be affected by inflationary pressures and market conditions during the bidding phase for the main projects.

Main and Satellite Terminal Expansion

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During the reporting period, the consultancy firm responsible for the design of the Main and Satellite Terminal Expansion and associated aircraft parking lot projects successfully completed the Outline Design phase. The expansion provides for an increase in the total terminal area of approximately 150,000 square meters, an increase of approximately 68% over the existing space.

On completion of the project, significant improvements in capacity and service levels will be implemented, including:

  • upgraded passenger handling facilities (ticketing – check-in, security screening, passport control and boarding areas),
  • additional aircraft parking spaces,
  • increase of commercial space by more than 100%,
  • expansion of baggage handling areas,
  • functional support spaces and associated state-of-the-art technology systems.

In parallel, the company (AIA) has launched an international tender for the expansion of the main and satellite terminal, adopting the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) strategy. This approach ensures early feedback from contractors with proven experience in large-scale and complex projects, thus supporting informed decision making, constructability assessments, cost optimisation and risk mitigation. Award to the contractor is expected to take place in the second half of 2026.

Floorside vehicle parking

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During 2025, the Company proceeded to commence the construction phase for the new multi-storey vehicle parking and the new aircraft parking at the north-western part of the airport, which are being implemented by a consortium of experienced and qualified contractors selected through a competitive bidding process. The multi-storey car park will be a seven-storey building, with a capacity of approximately 3,365 spaces, and will be constructed on the site of the former P1 short stay car park.

In addition, the new northwest aircraft parking area will provide 32 Code C aircraft parking spaces, a new aircraft parking area service station, taxiways and two new bridges for service vehicles. Design and construction work has already begun on both projects, with completion scheduled for 2027.

New VIP Terminal Building and associated works

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Alongside the expansion studies for the main and satellite terminal, the design office completed and delivered the Outline Design for the new VIP Building and associated aircraft parking works, with a floor area of approximately 600 sqm, which is intended to serve Heads of State and government officials and is designed to significantly upgrade the existing VIP facilities for Heads of State. Following a competitive tender process, the company awarded the detailed design and construction of the VIP Building and associated aircraft parking infrastructure works to a qualified contractor in early 2026, with completion scheduled for 2027.

Finally, during 2025, a number of major capacity enhancement projects were completed, including the addition of new bus boarding gates, expansion of the departures passport control area and the creation of a new remote vehicle parking area, etc., which contributed substantially to the smooth operation of the airport and enhanced operational resilience, particularly during the peak summer season.