During the first six months of 2005, passenger traffic at Athens International Airport increased by 7.5% on a year-to-year basis: In total, from January to June 2005, Athens International Airport welcomed 6.6 million passengers, a record for Athens in the specific period. According to AIA preliminary figures, the main driver for this significant growth was an impressive +12% growth of international passenger traffic during the 1st semester of 2005 as against the same period last year. Additionally, domestic passenger traffic retained the high levels achieved during the “Olympic year” 2004, posting a +0.5% increase. More specifically, scheduled international passenger traffic enjoyed a 12% growth, whereas low-cost carriers also continued their steady development, by posting a 19% passenger traffic increase. Furthermore, charter international passenger traffic followed the dynamic performance of scheduled traffic, posting a 18% increase. As per geographical region, the Middle East and Eastern/Central Europe remained the fastest growing regions, posting an impressive +22% and +21% growth, respectively, during the first six months of 2005, a result signifying the positive effects of AIA' s aeronautical regional strategy. As regards long-haul regions, the North American market posted a significant increase at the level of +11%. The rise of passenger traffic during the 1st semester of the year was marked by the highest ever load factors for Athens International Airport. Indicatively, for the month of June 2005, international load factors reached 78% on average (65% last year), while domestic load factors reached 72% (65% in 2004). It is noteworthy that, load factors exceeded 80% for 23 airlines in June, while load factors for 7 airlines surpassed 90%. Significant increase in tourist arrivals In addition, international tourists* travelling through Athens International Airport during the 1st semester, increased significantly. According to AIA preliminary figures, on a year-to-year basis, the number of international transit tourists moving from AIA to other Greek destinations increased by 36%. In addition, Athens visitors equally increased by 36%, reflecting the resurgence of the city as an attractive tourist destination. * Source: "Passenger Survey" by QED research company (January – June / 2005, on the basis of a sample of 15,740 passengers). The survey is conducted at Athens International Airport on a daily basis, analyzing the profile of AIA passengers, according to the purpose of travelling.
Analytical charts / preliminary 1st semester statistics follow
The Asia-Pacific rim - still below the previous year for the total period January to June - achieved to almost catch the 2004 levels during the 2nd quarter of the year.
Top 10 international destinations according to passenger arrivals (January to June 2005)
Top 5 domestic destinations according to passenger traffic (January to June 2005)