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Flawless operation, efficient handling, high levels of service and four new records are the highlights of August 30th, 2004, the most challenging day for Athens International Airport during the Olympic Games period.

More specifically, on Monday, August 30th, the day of the highest departures peak following the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games, new historical records were achieved in volumes of aircraft movements, passenger traffic, baggage handling, and flight punctuality.

• Athens International Airport handled efficiently 856 aircraft movements, thus achieving a new historical record. The previous record of 795 aircraft movements achieved on August 12th, 2004, the day before the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games, was exceeded by 8%. During the highest peak hour (13:00-14:00), 56 aircraft movements were achieved (1 movement per 1.1 minute).
• 85% of flights were performed on time, thus achieving an "Olympic record" in flight punctuality. This record is considered exceptional in relation to previous Olympic Games, where long delays had occurred during the day after the end of the Games. · A record number of 43,361 passengers departed from Athens International Airport, exceeding by 33% the previous record of 32,716 departing passengers, achieved on August 18th, 2001. This number includes 9,327 members of the Olympic Family, most of which were accommodated through the specially designed Express Terminal Facility.
• Throughout the day, Athens International Airport offered high levels of service and handled exceptionally a total of 69,000 passengers, a record number for the airport. The previous passenger traffic record of 62,746 passengers, achieved on August 18th, 2001, was yesterday exceeded by 10%.
• Finally, a total of 50,000 luggage items were handled on August 30th, 2004, the highest number ever handled by Athens International Airport.

Referring to yesterday’s performance, AIA’s CEO, Mr. Alfred van der Meer, stated: "All airport employees feel very pleased and proud that, even during the Olympic departures peak day the airport operated without a flaw and faced the challenge with success, thanks to the airport’s sound operational planning. All airport community employees have done their best, offering their services and a smiling face, always aiming to give our passengers the best impression of our airport and our country".