Athens International Airport has already entered the Olympic Games operational mode, by welcoming more than 2,800 members of the Olympic Family, since July 12th, 2004. AIA implements a detailed operational plan, in close cooperation with Athens 2004 Organising Committee, aiming to ensure the secure and seamless facilitation of the Olympic Family, through the specially designed processes at the Airport. In the coming days, the numbers of the Olympic Family arrivals are expected to rise significantly, reaching the highest Olympic Family arrival peaks during the period from August 8th-12th. In parallel, overall passenger traffic and aircraft movements are building up, reaching the highest arrival peak on August 12th, with 818 flights and approximately 72,000 passengers, according to the latest figures. The total number of aircraft movements for the month of August has also increased in comparison to previous estimates, rising to 21,500, mainly due to General Aviation movements. The busiest day of the Games period is August 30th (the peak departures day after the Olympic Games Closing Ceremony) with 854 movements and more than 78,000 passengers.
Based on the operations plan for the Olympic Games, Athens International Airport aims to offer the best and most secure hospitality to the Olympic Family, while preserving the high levels of service to the general travelling public. All additional facilities -more than 30 construction projects- which have been built for use during the Olympic Games, have become operational, highlighted by the Terminal Railway Station, the brand new General/Business Aviation Facility, and the Express Terminal Facility for the Olympic Family . At the same time, in cooperation with the entire airport community, all processes have been tested and implemented to ensure an efficient operation especially during the very demanding peaks.
AIA's Terminal Railway Station
An external view of AIA's Terminal Railway Station
Referring to Athens International Airport entering O.G. operational mode, AIA's CEO, Mr. van der Meer, made special reference to the people of the airport community: "As the whole airport family has done its outmost to prepare for this great endeavour, we now feel proud and eager to put in all efforts to contribute in giving to all our visitors the best first and last impression of Greece."