Page 131 - AEROSTAT 2023
P. 131
Throughout 2023, the Greek aviation sector experienced a notable surge compared to both 2022 and
2019 (pre-pandemic period), with 72.6 million passengers, which is 8.4 million more than in 2019, a 13.2%
increase. This positive outcome was driven by growth in both international and domestic traic, each
showing a 13.2% increase. This is particularly favourable for domestic traic, which was still below 2019
levels in 2022, even though international traic had already rebounded that year.
Athens and Thessaloniki, two major destinations with year-round traic, saw their overall traic (domestic
and international) increase by 9.8% and 5.1%, respectively. This increase is more moderate compared to
Greek peripheral airports, all of which saw passenger traic grow by more than 10%. This likely results
from consistently high demand for summer vacations, as Greece, particularly the islands, remains one of
the top summer destinations.
Athens International Airport's market share of passenger traic was 38.5% in 2023, down from 39.7% in
2019, indicating that it still holds the largest share of traic, followed by Heraklion with 12.7%. Despite
being an island, Heraklion has become a major Greek airport with more year-round traic in 2023
compared to its previous reliance on charter lights.
In 2023, commercial aircraft movements in Greek airspace totaled 565 thousand, surpassing 2019 levels
by 7.4%. Both international and domestic traic exceeded 2019 levels by 8.8% and 5.2%, respectively.
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2019 (pre-pandemic period), with 72.6 million passengers, which is 8.4 million more than in 2019, a 13.2%
increase. This positive outcome was driven by growth in both international and domestic traic, each
showing a 13.2% increase. This is particularly favourable for domestic traic, which was still below 2019
levels in 2022, even though international traic had already rebounded that year.
Athens and Thessaloniki, two major destinations with year-round traic, saw their overall traic (domestic
and international) increase by 9.8% and 5.1%, respectively. This increase is more moderate compared to
Greek peripheral airports, all of which saw passenger traic grow by more than 10%. This likely results
from consistently high demand for summer vacations, as Greece, particularly the islands, remains one of
the top summer destinations.
Athens International Airport's market share of passenger traic was 38.5% in 2023, down from 39.7% in
2019, indicating that it still holds the largest share of traic, followed by Heraklion with 12.7%. Despite
being an island, Heraklion has become a major Greek airport with more year-round traic in 2023
compared to its previous reliance on charter lights.
In 2023, commercial aircraft movements in Greek airspace totaled 565 thousand, surpassing 2019 levels
by 7.4%. Both international and domestic traic exceeded 2019 levels by 8.8% and 5.2%, respectively.
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