"International traffic is steadily increasing since the opening of our new airport. We are proceeding very well towards the development of one of the most important hubs in the region" points out the Chief Executive Officer of the Athens International Airport, Dr. Matthias Mitscherlich, after the first six months of operation. "The horrible events in the United States", adds Dr. Mitscherlich, "have been a hard blow for international air transport. Although we are optimistic that traffic will rise again, we are prepared to face the new situation, and, together with our partners, overcome difficulties".
In July and August, the new airport 'Eleftherios Venizelos' justified the title 'The best touristic airport in Europe'. Until the end of August, 7 million passengers and 85,000 flights had been serviced. On average, 600 landings and take-offs were realized on a daily basis, rising to 650 movements at weekends. Furthermore, during the months of July and August, records of 658 to 678 movements per day were achieved.
"We passed our first test with great success, coping with the increased traffic of the summer season smoothly", says Dr. Mitscherlich. "We are proud of this positive result".
The following figures are also indicative of the airport's successful performance during the first half-year of operation: Despite the decrease in the number of domestic passengers in August, the number of domestic flights rose significantly by 9.9% as against the same period last year. International traffic results are even better: From the month of April through the end of August 2001, the number of passengers and flights serviced at 'Eleftherios Venizelos' were increased by 4.5% and 8.6%, respectively, as against the same period last year.
Following the terrorist attacks of September 11th, the primary obligation of the Athens International Airport is to make every possible effort to ensure the safety and security of the public and the passengers.