Operational aviation weather overview for Greek FIRs covering 16 – 22 August 2026. Peak late-summer high-pressure dominance across mainland FIRs keeps daytime temperatures elevated, requiring continued density altitude monitoring at Athens (LGAV) and Thessaloniki (LGTS). Simultaneously, active Meltemi wind regimes deliver steady northerly flow across Aegean island gateways at Heraklion (LGIR) and Rhodes (LGRP), ensuring clear skies and predictable VFR operational conditions.

Week 31 highlights a record first half for Greek tourism, Athens Airport’s continued rise among Europe’s leading mega airports, Air Serbia’s expanding regional network and Olympic Air’s strong financial performance. Additional developments include new airline network updates, another EUROCONTROL traffic milestone, Airbus’ record-breaking A350 test flight and the busiest day ever recorded for global commercial aviation.

Record tourism forecasts, growing operational pressures and expanding regional connectivity define Week 26 of the Greece & Balkans Aviation Weekly. From Greece’s expected 52 million international visitors and European airport policy challenges to airline strategy, aviation heritage and Balkan network developments, this edition examines the trends shaping aviation across Southeast Europe.