Athens International Airport Overview

Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (IATA: ATH, ICAO: LGAV) is Greece’s most significant and busiest public international airport. It serves the capital city, Athens, as the primary gateway to mainland Greece and the Greek islands. Located in Spata, about 20 kilometres east of central Athens, the airport is a major European connecting hub for passengers and cargo, with strong links across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.

General Information – Athens Airport Code

  • Location: Spata, Attica Region
  • Country: Greece
  • Airport Type: Public, International
  • IATA Code: ATH
  • ICAO Code: LGAV
  • Elevation: 308 feet (94 metres)
  • Coordinates: 37°56′19″N 023°56′44″E
  • Timezone: UTC+2 (Eastern European Time) / UTC+3 (Daylight Saving Time)
  • Distance from City Centre: Approx. 20 km (12 miles) east of Athens
  • Website: www.aia.gr
  • Operator: Athens International Airport S.A.
  • Services: Scheduled international and domestic flights, cargo, charter, and general aviation

Airport Details – Athens Airport Code

  • Runways: 2
  • Runway Designations and Lengths:
    • 03L/21R: 4,000 m (13,123 ft) – Asphalt
    • 03R/21L: 3,800 m (12,467 ft) – Asphalt
  • Runway Surfaces: Asphalt
  • Runway Strength: Supports all commercial aircraft, including Code F (e.g. A380)
  • Fire Services: ICAO Category 10
  • Tower Frequency: Available
  • Ground Frequency: Available
  • Navigation Aids: ILS CAT III, VOR/DME, RNAV, GPS
  • Customs and Immigration: Available 24/7 for all international arrivals
  • Aircraft Types: Regional jets, wide-body aircraft, business jets, and charter flights
  • Terminals: One main terminal (with Schengen and non-Schengen areas) and one satellite terminal
  • Cargo Facilities: Modern air cargo centre with dedicated facilities and handlers
  • Fuel: JET A-1 available via hydrant system and bowsers
  • FBOs: Goldair Handling, Skyserv Handling
  • Equipment: GPU, lavatory, potable water, de-icing, hangars, maintenance
  • Ground Services: Full handling for commercial and general aviation flights

Flight Operations

  • Permit Time: 24–48 hours for international non-scheduled and private flights
  • Permission Required: Yes, for charter and foreign-registered GA flights
  • Slots: Required (Level 3 coordinated airport)
  • Aircraft Types: All aircraft up to Code F
  • Alternate Airports:
    • SKG: Thessaloniki Airport
    • HER: Heraklion International Airport

Contact Information

Passenger Information

  • Immigration Requirements: Schengen Area entry rules apply; a passport and a visa are required
  • Crew Requirements: Passport, crew ID/licence, General Declaration; visa if applicable
  • Transport Options: Metro (Line 3), suburban railway (Proastiakos), express buses, taxis, car hire
  • Nearby Accommodation:
    • Close to Airport: Sofitel Athens Airport (adjacent), Holiday Inn Athens Airport
    • In Athens: Electra Metropolis, NJV Athens Plaza, Grande Bretagne
  • Currency: Euro (EUR); major credit and debit cards widely accepted

Local Attractions

Acropolis & Parthenon

An iconic ancient citadel overlooking the city with millennia-old ruins and museums.

Plaka District

Historic neighbourhood with pedestrian alleys, traditional tavernas, and local shops.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

One of the largest temples of the ancient world is centrally located in Athens.

Syntagma Square

Heart of the city, home to the Hellenic Parliament and ceremonial guards.

Greek Islands

Easy flight connections to Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and other Aegean islands.

Travel Tips

  • Best Times to Visit:
    • Spring (Apr–Jun): Pleasant temperatures and cultural events
    • Autumn (Sep–Oct): Warm days and fewer crowds
  • Additional Notes:
    • Athens Airport is well-equipped to handle VIP flights, with exclusive lounges and fast-track options.
    • Ground handling must be arranged in advance, particularly in high season (June–September)
    • Public transport to the city is reliable and cost-effective
    • English is widely spoken at the airport and in tourism areas

Athens International Airport is a modern, efficient gateway to Greece and the broader Mediterranean, combining high-capacity operations with easy access to historic and leisure destinations. It is ideal for both scheduled airline traffic and private aviation.