In 2008, a challenging year for the aviation sector, Athens International Airport retained the passenger traffic level of record-breaking 2007. Marginally above the European airports’ average, AIA’s traffic reached 16.47 million passengers, losing only -0.4% on a year-to-year basis. Domestic traffic slightly dropped (5.8 million passengers, -2.2%), while, on the contrary, international passenger traffic posted a +0.5% increase with 10.64 million passengers, and cargo increased by +2.7% compared to 2007, with a total of 122.2 thousand tonnes. Total flights amounted to 199,418 (-2.9%), a decrease mostly due to a -4% drop of domestic flights. In 2008, Athens International Airport offered direct scheduled services to 115 destinations in 51 countries, by 67 airlines. The airport welcomed 4 new destinations (Ljubljana, Nice, London/Stansted and Oslo/Rygge) and two ‘newcomers’, Adria Airways and Baboo. Domestic / International: With 5.83 million passengers in 2008, the domestic market recorded a -2.2% drop, mostly due to a decreased number of domestic flights. On the contrary, international traffic rose by +0.5%, with 10.64 million passengers. This development is attributed mainly to the growth of geographical regions of the Middle East (+4.8%), America (+3.7%), and Eastern Europe (+3%). Western Europe remained at 2007 levels, while the Far East was the only market that posted a drop (-6.3%), mostly due to the increased numbers of transfer passengers through Middle East airports. Cargo traffic increased In 2008 Athens International Airport cargo traffic posted a +2.7% increase, with 122.2 thousand tonnes in total. Analytically, domestic cargo traffic increased by +0.8% (22.2 thousand tonnes) while international cargo traffic enjoyed a significant rise of +3.1% (99.9 thousand tonnes). This positive development is due to a +27% increase in the tonnage carried on cargo flights, as well to the increased transit cargo transported via the Athens International Airport. Commenting on the airport’s 2008 traffic results, the CEO of Athens International Airport, Dr. Yiannis Paraschis, stated: “With traffic attaining the high levels of 2007, and given the adverse global economy climate, the high airport fuel prices in 2008, and the latest developments in the Greek aviation sector, Athens International Airport had a satisfactory year outcome, in accordance with the European airports’ average growth. We shall continue to implement consistently our route development and airline support strategy, in the same spirit of cooperation and sound planning”.