Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)
Summer 2025 is expected to see a surge in total seat capacity on international flights to Greece, with airlines planning a 4.6 percent increase compared to 2024, reaching 28.2 million seats, according to INSETE, the research body of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE).
Data from INSETE’s Air Data Tracker shows that interest from international markets in Greece remains strong, reflecting a “stable rise in tourism demand.” The UK, Germany, and Italy continue to be key European markets, while demand from the US, the Middle East, and Northern Europe is steadily emerging.
“The 2025 summer season is expected to unfold positively for Greek tourism,” said INSETE General Manager Ilias Kikilias. “The opening of new markets, combined with the noticeable increase in activity early in the season, highlights the sector’s strong potential.”
Israel drives the increase in air seat capacity
Israel recorded the largest increase in capacity, up by 52.1 percent and surpassing 1.3 million seats, while the US saw an 18.6 percent rise, reaching 727,000 seats.
Countries that traditionally had lower capacity are also showing notable growth. Saudi Arabia posted a 45 percent increase with 84,000 seats, Albania rose by 56 percent to 156,000 seats, and Armenia saw a 68.5 percent jump to 75,000 seats. Georgia also recorded an impressive gain, more than doubling its capacity with 126,000 seats, a 113 percent increase.
European performance
According to the data, the UK remains Greece’s largest market, with 5.6 million air seats, a 2.2 percent increase over last year, accounting for 20 percent of total capacity.
Germany ranks second with a 2.5 percent rise in capacity, totaling 4.7 million seats and a 17 percent share. Italy follows in third place with 2.5 million seats, reflecting a 3.9 percent increase and a 9 percent market share.
Top Greek airports
Heraklion Airport.
Leading the top 10 Greek airports in terms of capacity growth is Thessaloniki Airport, which recorded an 11.4 percent increase, reaching 2.3 million seats. Athens International Airport follows with an 8.3 percent rise, totaling 10 million seats.
Chania ranks third with 1.4 million seats, marking a 5.6 percent increase. It is followed by Corfu (up 5.1 percent), Rhodes (2.4 percent), Mykonos (0.9 percent), Heraklion (0.2 percent), and Kos (0.1 percent).
However, declines were recorded at Santorini, down 11.6 percent with 754,000 seats, and Zakynthos, which saw a 1.5 percent drop to 1 million seats.
The data presented in this article were compiled before April 2, 2025. On that date, US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs that may impact international travel trends. For more information, see our related coverage: Trump’s Tariffs Spark Concerns for Greece’s Tourism-Driven Economy.
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