International Airports
| Airport Name | City/Island | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) | Athens | ATH | LGAV |
| Thessaloniki Airport (Makedonia Airport) | Thessaloniki | SKG | LGTS |
| Heraklion International Airport (Nikos Kazantzakis) | Crete (Heraklion) | HER | LGIR |
| Rhodes International Airport (Diagoras) | Rhodes | RHO | LGRP |
| Corfu International Airport (Ioannis Kapodistrias) | Corfu (Kerkyra) | CFU | LGKR |
| Chania International Airport (Ioannis Daskalogiannis) | Crete (Chania) | CHQ | LGSA |
| Kos Island International Airport (Hippocrates) | Kos | KGS | LGKO |
| Zakynthos International Airport (Dionysios Solomos) | Zakynthos | ZTH | LGZA |
| Santorini (Thira) International Airport | Santorini (Thira) | JTR | LGSR |
| Mykonos Island National Airport | Mykonos | JMK | LGMK |
| Kefalonia International Airport (Anna Pollatou) | Kefalonia | EFL | LGKF |
| Skiathos Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport | Skiathos | JSI | LGSK |
| Samos International Airport (Aristarchos) | Samos | SMI | LGSM |
| Kalamata International Airport (Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos) | Kalamata | KLX | LGKL |
| Kavala International Airport (Alexander the Great) | Kavala | KVA | LGKV |
Domestic Airports
| Airport Name | City/Island | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ioannina National Airport | Ioannina | IOA | LGIO |
| Alexandroupoli Airport (Dimokritos) | Alexandroupoli | AXD | LGAL |
| Naxos Island National Airport | Naxos | JNX | LGNX |
| Paros National Airport | Paros | PAS | LGPA |
| Syros Island National Airport | Syros | JSY | LGSO |
| Karpathos Island National Airport | Karpathos | AOK | LGKP |
| Kastoria National Airport (Aristotelis) | Kastoria | KSO | LGKA |
| Kasos Island Public Airport | Kasos | KSJ | LGKS |
| Astypalaia Island National Airport | Astypalaia | JTY | LGPL |
| Ikaria Island National Airport | Ikaria | JIK | LGIK |
| Chios Island National Airport (Omiros) | Chios | JKH | LGHI |
| Lemnos Island National Airport (Hephaestus) | Lemnos | LXS | LGLM |
Notes:
- Many of Greece’s international airports also handle domestic flights, especially those on islands like Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu.
- Domestic airports are primarily located on smaller islands and serve inter-island and mainland connections.
Greece Airports: Modernisation Plans
Greece boasts a network of airports that connect its mainland and islands to the rest of the world. These airports play a crucial role in the country’s tourism and transport infrastructure.
Greece has 15 international airports and 26 domestic airports, with Athens International Airport being the largest and busiest. The international airports serve millions of tourists each year, providing gateways to popular destinations like Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, and Crete.
Greek airports vary in size and services, from large hubs with modern facilities to smaller regional airports. Many island airports have limited capacity but are vital for local communities and tourists alike. The Greek airport system continues to evolve, with ongoing upgrades and expansions to meet growing travel demands.
Major Airports and Destinations
Greece boasts a network of modern airports connecting its mainland and islands. These hubs serve millions of travellers annually, offering both international and domestic flights to key destinations across the country.
Athens International Airport
Athens International Airport, also known as Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, is Greece’s largest and busiest airport. Located in Attica, it serves as the main gateway to the country. The airport handles over 25 million passengers yearly and offers flights to numerous European and international destinations.
Athens Airport is the home base for Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air, Greece’s primary carriers. These airlines provide extensive domestic networks, connecting Athens to various Greek islands and mainland cities.
The airport features modern facilities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges. It’s well-connected to Athens city centre via metro, bus, and taxi services.
Thessaloniki International Airport and Northern Hubs
Thessaloniki International Airport, situated in northern Greece, is the country’s second-busiest airport. It serves as a crucial hub for Macedonia and surrounding regions.
The airport offers a mix of international and domestic flights. Popular routes include connections to major European cities and Greek islands. Thessaloniki Airport has undergone recent renovations, improving its capacity and passenger amenities.
Other important northern hubs include Kavala Airport and Alexandroupolis Airport. These smaller airports primarily serve domestic routes and seasonal charter flights.
Island Gateways: Crete, Rhodes, and Beyond
Greek islands host several key airports catering to tourists and locals alike. Heraklion International Airport on Crete is one of the busiest, especially during summer months. It handles numerous charter flights from across Europe.
Rhodes International Airport serves the Dodecanese islands, offering year-round flights to Athens and seasonal international routes. Chania Airport, also on Crete, is another significant island gateway.
Smaller but vital island airports include those on Santorini, Mykonos, and Corfu. These airports primarily handle domestic flights and seasonal international charters, playing a crucial role in supporting Greece’s tourism industry.
Airport Amenities and Transportation
Greek airports offer a range of facilities and services to make travel smoother. Passengers can find various transportation options to reach their destinations after landing.
Facilities and Services
Most Greek airports provide essential amenities for travellers. Free Wi-Fi is available at many airports, allowing passengers to stay connected. Shops and restaurants cater to different tastes and needs.
Car hire desks are common, with major companies represented. Lounges offer comfort for eligible passengers. Information desks assist with queries.
Some larger airports like Athens have more extensive offerings. These may include:
- Duty-free shopping
- Currency exchange
- Left luggage facilities
- Medical services
Getting to and from the Airports
Greek airports are well-connected to nearby cities and tourist areas. Public transport options vary by location.
Buses are a popular choice at many airports. They offer affordable travel to city centres and other destinations. Taxis are widely available for direct, door-to-door service.
Some airports have dedicated shuttle services. These connect to major hotels or tourist spots. Car hire is an option for those preferring independence.
Larger airports like Athens have more diverse transport links. These might include:
- Metro connections
- Suburban rail services
- Express bus routes
Parking facilities are available at most airports for those driving themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Greek airports offer a range of services and facilities to cater to travellers’ needs. These airports connect visitors to popular destinations and provide essential information for smooth journeys.
What are the operating hours for international airports in Greece?
Major Greek airports operate 24/7. This includes Athens International Airport, Thessaloniki Airport, and Heraklion International Airport. Smaller regional airports may have limited hours, especially during off-peak seasons.
How do I get from major Greek airports to nearby tourist destinations?
Most Greek airports offer multiple transport options. Taxis are readily available at all airports. Many cities provide bus services connecting airports to city centres. Some popular tourist spots have dedicated airport shuttles.
What facilities can be found at the primary airports across Greece?
Greek airports offer a range of amenities. These typically include shops, restaurants, currency exchange, and car hire services. Larger airports like Athens International also have lounges, duty-free shops, and medical facilities.
Are there any specific visa or customs procedures at Greek airports for non-EU travellers?
Non-EU travellers must present a valid passport and may need a Schengen visa. Customs procedures involve declaring items above duty-free allowances. EU citizens can use e-gates for quicker entry at some airports.
How do I navigate through the terminals at Athens International Airport?
Athens International Airport has two main terminals: Main Terminal and Satellite Terminal. Clear signage and information desks help with navigation. Free Wi-Fi allows access to the airport map on mobile devices.
Can you provide information regarding the availability of airport shuttles or public transport at Greek airports?
Most Greek airports offer public transport options. Athens Airport has a metro line and express bus services. Thessaloniki Airport provides bus connections to the city. Smaller airports often have local bus services or taxis available.
