Athens International Airport will be welcoming a large number of athletes and members of the Paralympic Family, during the four coming days - Friday, 10 September / Monday, 13 September 2004. Based on the detailed operational planning and the efficient operation of the airport during the Olympic Games period, and in close cooperation with all relevant parties and authorities, the airport's services and facilities are in full readiness in order to ensure the seamless facilitation and smooth transportation of all passengers during the Paralympic Games period. More specifically, on Friday, September 10th, 2004, 2,000 members of the Paralympic Family are expected to arrive, while a total of 670 aircraft movements have been scheduled from/to Athens International Airport during the day. Until Monday, September 13th, Athens International Airport is expected to welcome 4,462 members, on the basis of the latest figures. Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” is in full compliance with the strictest specifications regarding the infrastructure providing for the facilitation of people with disabilities and is fully harmonised with the European and American standards ('American Disabilities Act'). The infrastructure of the Main Terminal and Satellite Buildings, as well as the new railway station constructed by the airport company on the basis of the strictest design principles, provide all the necessary facilities and services for the best accommodation of disabled passengers. Within the framework of the special procedures provided at the airport for the Athens 2004 Games period, same facilitation and safety procedures apply as during the Olympic Games. In specific, Paralympic Family members arriving at Athens International Airport, will be facilitated through the terminal via the dedicated zone leading the athletes and other members of the Paralympic Family to the dedicated loading area, for their transportation to the Olympic Village.
Moreover, during the departures period, the 'off airport' check-in procedure will be re-applied in order to simplify and accelerate the departure procedure for the convenience of the Paralympic Family. For the specific requirements of this period, additional Athens International Airport staff will be supporting the passengers' services, in close cooperation with airlines, ground handlers, and the Organising Committee 'ATHENS 2004'. The common goal of the entire airport community is to provide fist class services and comfortable accommodation to all passengers and contribute in the best possible way to the success of the Paralympic Games.