Air Travel in Greece: Smooth Skies, Easy Journeys

Island hopping by air? Jetting off to a far-flung corner of the mainland? Air travel is a convenient way to navigate Greece, especially if you’re short on time or want to cover larger distances. Here’s what you need to know to make your Greek air travel experience smooth and enjoyable, with a special focus on the airports themselves.

Choosing Your Airline

Greece has a well-developed network of airports, with both international and domestic flights connecting major cities and islands. Here are some key airlines to consider:  

• Aegean Airlines: The country’s flag carrier, Aegean Airlines, offers a comprehensive network of domestic and international flights. I’ve flown with them a few times, and I’ve always been impressed with their service and efficiency.  
• Olympic Air: A subsidiary of Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air focuses primarily on domestic routes, connecting smaller islands and regional airports. They’re a great option if you’re looking to explore some of the lesser-known islands.
• Sky Express: This low-cost carrier offers a growing number of domestic routes, often at competitive prices. If you’re on a budget, Sky Express is definitely worth checking out.
• International Airlines: Numerous international airlines operate flights to Greece, including major carriers like British Airways, Lufthansa, and Delta. You’ll have plenty of options to choose from, depending on your origin and budget.  

Tip: When booking your flights, consider factors like baggage allowance, flight schedules, and connections to ensure a smooth journey. And don’t forget to check for any special offers or discounts!

Navigating the Airports

Greece’s main international airport is Athens International Airport (ATH), located just outside the capital city. It’s a modern and efficient airport, with plenty of amenities to keep you occupied before your flight. I always find myself browsing the shops or grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants.  

Other major airports include Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) in northern Greece and Heraklion Airport (HER) on the island of Crete. These airports are also well-equipped and offer a range of services for travelers.  

Here’s a closer look at some of the key airports in Greece:

• Athens International Airport (ATH): As the largest and busiest airport in Greece, Athens International Airport is a major hub for both international and domestic flights. It’s a modern and well-organized airport, with a wide range of amenities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and lounges. You’ll also find services like currency exchange, car rentals, and tourist information desks.  
• Thessaloniki Airport (SKG): Located in northern Greece, Thessaloniki Airport is the second-largest airport in the country. It serves as a gateway to the beautiful region of Macedonia and offers connections to various domestic and international destinations. The airport is known for its efficient operations and friendly staff.  
• Heraklion Airport (HER): Situated on the island of Crete, Heraklion Airport is the main gateway to this popular tourist destination. It’s a bustling airport, especially during the peak season, with numerous flights arriving and departing from various European cities. The airport offers a range of services, including car rentals, duty-free shops, and restaurants.  
• Other Regional Airports: Greece has a network of smaller regional airports serving various islands and mainland destinations. These airports may offer a more relaxed and intimate travel experience, especially if you’re heading to a less touristy island. Importantly, many of these regional airports also handle international flights, particularly during the peak season, connecting the islands directly to various European cities. This can be a convenient option if you’re looking to avoid the larger airports and fly directly to your island destination.  

Arrival Times:

• Domestic Flights: Aim to arrive at the airport at least 1.5 hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic flights. This allows ample time for check-in, security checks, and boarding.
• International Flights: For international flights, especially those to non-EU countries, it’s advisable to arrive at least 2.5 hours before departure. You’ll need extra time for passport control and potential visa checks.

Tip: Check the specific requirements for your destination, as some countries may have stricter entry regulations or require additional documentation.

Connecting flights to or from Athens

If you are flying into Athens and then want to board on a connecting flight, try to allow for plenty of time between the flights so you don’t miss your connecting flight. There can be delays on flights from the Greek islands and you may end up losing your connecting flight.

If you plan an island hopping holiday (i.e.: flying from Athens to an island then boarding a return flight from a different island) you may want to factor in possible ferry delays.

Use our Athens airport transport guide to find your way easily.

From summer 2024, there is also a new service of island hopping in the air via a charter. For example, now you can book  a flight directly between islands without return Athens. Maybe it will be more expensive, but who says that  it won’t be expensive to be back  to Athens  and then leaving for islands again? Check  the Fly Cycladic Project and plan your summer in Greece!

Flying to Athens to board on an international cruise ship

There are also these somehow rare incidents where travelers have flown to Athens, went through passport control just fine and then were denied entry on the cruise ship due to passport issues. If one of the countries in your cruise itinerary has a specific passport requirement you will not be allowed to board.

For example some countries require travelers to travel with a passport NOT expiring over the next 2-3 months, even though customs officers at the Athens airport were fine with it. The same applies when boarding a connecting flight to another country.

Allow plenty of time (ideally a day) between arriving at the airport and boarding the cruise so you can make the necessary arrangements at your local embassy in Athens.

Flying to Athens to board on a local ferry to the islands

Allow plenty of time between your flight’s arrival time at the airport and the ferry departure time. Depending on which of the three major ports in Athens your ferry departs from, you will need up to one or two hours to arrive there on public transport. Piraeus Port is accessible by metro from the Airport but Rafina and Lavrio are not.

Security and Customs

Be prepared for security checks at Greek airports, which may include baggage screening, metal detectors, and body scanners. Follow the instructions of security personnel and have your boarding pass and identification readily available.

If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll also need to go through customs. Declare any goods that may be subject to duty or restrictions, and be prepared to answer questions from customs officials.

Keep in mind that the rule recently abolished by some airports has not been implemented in all airports as not all of them have updated their equipment, so don’t let yourself carry bottles of liquids over 100ml especially if you will be passing through regional Greek airports.

Making the Most of Your Flight

• Stay Hydrated: Air travel can be dehydrating, so drink plenty of water throughout your flight.  
• Pack Snacks: Bring your own snacks to avoid airport prices and satisfy your cravings during the flight.
• Entertainment: Pack a book, download movies or music, or bring a travel game to keep yourself entertained during the flight.
• Comfort: Dress comfortably for your flight, and consider bringing a travel pillow and an eye mask for added comfort.