Athens airport has named Australia one of its largest unserved markets and a strategic objective, as weekly flights to the United States more than double their 2019 level.

Ioanna Papadopoulou, who leads communications and marketing at the airport, outlined its long-haul plans to Routes, part of Aviation Week. In particular, she pointed to the Greek diaspora.

“Australia remains one of Athens’ largest unserved markets and a strategic objective, supported by sizable traffic flows and the Greek diaspora, while Africa also offers future growth potential,” she told Routes.

At present, no airline flies non-stop between the two countries. Instead, Greek Australians connect through hubs in Asia or the Middle East, although Qantas has studied ultra-long-haul options.

US flights more than double

The United States has also become one of the strongest long-haul markets for Athens airport. It now offers 103 weekly departures to the US, compared with 46 in 2019.

American Airlines launched Dallas/Fort Worth flights in 2026. Delta Air Lines will add Detroit in summer 2027, and Alaska Airlines is opening a route from Seattle.

“The Americas remain a key priority,” Papadopoulou said. In her view, further US gateways and extra capacity still offer clear potential. Demand from Brazil and Mexico could support Latin American flights in future.

Asia is another priority for Athens airport. IndiGo launched Delhi and Mumbai flights in January, the first non-stop links between Greece and India. Since then, it has carried more than 60,000 passengers.

In addition, Aegean Airlines plans its own India services in the second quarter of 2027. Papadopoulou also identified demand from Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, Bangkok, Manila and Hong Kong.

More winter flights and new terminals

In 2026, Athens airport welcomed four new airline partners and 10 new scheduled destinations. It also added charter flights to Seoul and six extra services on existing routes.

Among the European additions, Sky Express added Barcelona, while Aegean opened Rotterdam, Bari and Paphos. TAP Air Portugal returned after 15 years. Together, the new services carried about 175,500 passengers in eight months.

OAG data shows about 14.21 million departing seats from Athens in summer 2026, up 2.4%. Winter 2026–27 capacity totals 7.14 million seats, a rise of 3.2%.

Even so, Athens airport wants airlines to fly more outside the peak tourist season. Winter demand has grown strongly, Papadopoulou noted, but there is still scope for more off-peak traffic.

However, growth is putting pressure on infrastructure. After traffic passed 34 million passengers, the airport operator began a multibillion-euro plan to lift capacity beyond 40 million.

The works will expand the main and satellite terminals, add aircraft stands and build a multistorey car park. For Greek Australians, though, the bigger question is whether a direct flight to Athens airport will follow.

Source: Aviation Week