Greece's commercial airports witnessed a significant surge in passenger traffic during the first seven months of 2024, signaling a robust recovery for the country's tourism and aviation sectors.
According to provisional figures released by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Tuesday, the total number of passengers between January and July reached 42,538,219, marking a 9.5% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
The rise was mirrored in the number of domestic and international flight arrivals and departures, which rose by 6.9% year-on-year.
A total of 328,272 flights were recorded in the first seven months of this year, compared to 306,982 in the same period last year.
The increase in passenger traffic is a welcome development for the Greek economy, which heavily relies on tourism.
The surge suggests a strong rebound from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with travelers flocking back to Greece's popular destinations.
The growth was observed across all 39 commercial airports in the country, including those managed by the state, Fraport Greece, and the Athens International Airport. The CAA noted particularly strong increases at airports in Kasos, Milos, Naxos, and Sitia, indicating a growing interest in exploring lesser-known Greek islands.
Industry experts attribute the rise in passenger traffic to several factors, including pent-up demand for travel after the pandemic, effective marketing campaigns promoting Greece as a safe and attractive destination, and increased airline connectivity.
The positive momentum in the aviation sector is expected to continue in the coming months, with the peak summer season still underway.