With a total of 15.1 million passengers, Athens International Airport broke a new record in 2006, posting a 5.6% increase on a year to year. The number of flights also enjoyed a 5.5% increase reaching 190.872, while cargo traffic broke a record by exceeding 120,000 tonnes (+3.6% compared to 2005), the highest volume handled since airport opening.
The month recording the highest passengers’ increase was December, marking a +13.5% compared to 2005. The highest number of passengers was served in July (1,697,613), for the first time surpassing the month of August, which is traditionally serving the highest volumes.
Despite a significant increase in frequencies, load factors enjoyed an increase also in 2006, reaching the high level of 70% on average, and reflecting the strength of the Athens market.
11 new destinations / 5 new airlines
In 2006, Athens International Airport had scheduled direct connections with 109 destinations in 49 countries, of which 11 were new destinations (Atlanta, Islamabad, Karachi, Krakow, Lahore, Billund, Bologna, Naples, Turin, Chernovtsy and Kalymnos). During the year, Athens International Airport welcomed 5 new airlines (Air One, Blue 1, Flyglobespan, Norwegian και Pakistan International).
International / domestic market
Following a slow rise up to August, domestic passengers marked a fast traffic increase during the last four months of the year, reaching a total +5.8%.
The international sector marked a 5.5% increase; strong passenger traffic rise was observed since the beginning of the summer schedule, with the Middle East and America being the regions with the highest traffic increase, +16.8% and +12.9% respectively. Traffic to/from the Middle East was boosted by the impressive development in Doha and Dubai, while the launch of the Atlanta route by Delta and the scheduled operations of Air Transat in Canada drove the outstanding rise in North America. The Far East also showed significant traffic upturn, +10.2%, mainly due to the successful evolution of Bangkok traffic and the re-entry of Pakistan International in the Athens market. Eastern Europe also presented a double-digit growth (+10.1%), as a result of the successful performance of airlines operating in the specific region and the entry of new carriers (Aegean and Norwegian).
Expressing his satisfaction over the 2006 traffic results, Athens International Airport S.A. CEO, Mr. Alfred van der Meer , stated: “For the 5th consecutive year, Athens International Airport enjoys a healthy passenger traffic growth. Thanks to this robust development, Athens International Airport surpassed 15 million passengers in 2006, which brings our airport among the “family” of the biggest European airports, with an important position in the market.”