Greece & Balkans Aviation Weekly

Gary Fradelos

5 minutes ago

4 min read

Week 37 | 07–13 September 2026

Aviation across Greece remained firmly focused on managing continued growth while preparing for the next phase of development. During the week, Athens International Airport unveiled a revised expansion strategy and celebrated another major passenger milestone, underlining the sustained strength of demand despite mounting operational challenges. At the same time, infrastructure investment at regional airports, preparations for new European border procedures and wider industry operational planning highlighted how airports, airlines and regulators are positioning themselves for the transition from the summer peak into the autumn season.

Athens Airport adopts phased expansion strategy after cancelling expansion tender

Athens International Airport has cancelled its existing expansion tender and will proceed with a revised phased strategy for its long-term Airport Expansion Programme. The decision follows a review of the original procurement process, with the airport opting for a more flexible approach that will allow construction to progress in stages while minimising disruption to daily operations.

The first phase will include the expansion of the South Main Terminal Pier, the Satellite Terminal and associated infrastructure through a new tender process. Airport management said the revised strategy reflects stronger-than-expected passenger growth, operational considerations linked to the forthcoming EU Entry/Exit System, air traffic control constraints and the need to preserve flexibility as demand continues to increase. The move is intended to support future capacity requirements while ensuring the airport can continue operating efficiently throughout the construction period.

Close-up of an Airbus A330-300 parked at Athens International Airport, featuring the aircraft's nose and cockpit in the foreground with the airport's distinct air traffic control tower rising against a clear blue sky in the background.

Athens Airport surpasses four million monthly passengers

Athens International Airport recorded its busiest month on record after welcoming more than four million passengers during August, setting a new all-time monthly traffic record.

The milestone reflects the continued strength of Greece’s tourism sector and sustained demand across both international and domestic markets throughout the peak summer season. The record also reinforces the airport’s decision to accelerate its long-term expansion plans, as passenger numbers continue to exceed previous forecasts and place increasing pressure on terminal capacity and operational infrastructure.

An airplane captured with motion blur as it moves across the tarmac at Athens International Airport (AIA) during dusk, with the illuminated air traffic control tower and terminal buildings glowing under a twilight sky.

Runway rehabilitation works scheduled at three Fraport Greece airports

Fraport Greece has announced a new programme of runway rehabilitation works at Corfu, Mykonos and Mytilene airports, with construction scheduled to take place during the winter season when traffic levels are significantly lower.

The works will require temporary runway closures, allowing essential infrastructure upgrades to be completed while minimising disruption to passengers and airlines. The programme forms part of Fraport Greece’s ongoing investment strategy aimed at maintaining high operational and safety standards across its network of fourteen regional airports.

Aerial view of Mykonos Airport (JMK) at sunset, overlooking the runway, terminal, and surrounding island landscape, accompanied by text detailing the airport's runway operations suspension dates from November 19, 2026, to March 18, 2027. — Mykonos (JMK), **Runway Operations’ Suspension Dates:** For 24hrs every Thursday 00:01 – 23:59* (Period: November 19, 2026 – March 18, 2027) **Source:** **fraport-greece.com**

Ryanair criticises European Commission over Entry/Exit System

Ryanair has criticised the European Commission over the implementation of the European Union’s Entry/Exit System (EES), warning that the new border management system could create significant disruption if airports and border authorities are not adequately prepared.

The airline argues that delays in implementation and insufficient operational readiness risk creating long queues and extended processing times for passengers travelling through Schengen airports. With the system expected to transform border control procedures for non-EU travellers, airports across Europe continue preparing the infrastructure and staffing required to support its introduction.

A Ryanair commercial airplane parked on a snow-covered tarmac under a soft pastel twilight sky.

Additional Industry Developments

Routes & Networks Watch
The latest Routes & Networks weekly update highlighted continued route announcements, frequency adjustments and network optimisation across Europe as airlines refine their schedules ahead of the upcoming Winter 2026/27 season.

Routes & Networks Latest

EUROCONTROL publishes Special Summer 2026 Flash Briefing EUROCONTROL released its Special Summer 2026 Flash Briefing, reviewing network performance during one of Europe’s busiest travel periods. The report highlights sustained traffic demand, operational pressures and the importance of coordinated air traffic management across the European network.

EUROCONTROL Special Summer 2026 Flash Briefing

Lydia Airport to host three-day aviation event
Lydia Airport will host a three-day aviation event bringing together pilots, aviation organisations and enthusiasts. The initiative aims to promote general aviation while showcasing the airport’s role within northern Greece’s aviation community.
Samos Airport records 15.9% increase in tourist traffic
Samos Airport reported a 15.9% increase in tourist traffic compared with the corresponding period last year, reflecting another strong summer season for the island and reinforcing the continued importance of regional airports in supporting Greece’s tourism industry.

Outlook

This week’s developments demonstrated how Greek aviation continues balancing record passenger demand with strategic infrastructure investment and operational preparedness, as airports and airlines begin looking beyond the peak summer season while maintaining momentum for future growth.

As the region transitions from the peak summer travel period into the autumn season, aviation across Greece and the Balkans continues to face a dynamic operating environment, where airlines, airports and regulators are balancing sustained passenger demand with ongoing investment, operational resilience and evolving European aviation policy.

We look forward to welcoming you back next week for another edition of Greece & Balkans Aviation Weekly. References