Athens International Airport’s economic impact strengthens Greece’s GDP and employment

Athens International Airport’s economic impact took center stage during a press briefing on 17 June, ahead of the ACI Europe Annual Congress & General Assembly 2025, hosted in Athens from 18 to 20 June. Nikos Vettas, Director General of the Foundation for Economic & Industrial Research (IOBE), presented the findings of a comprehensive study detailing the airport’s macroeconomic footprint across GDP, employment, and public revenue.

According to the IOBE study, Athens International Airport’s economic impact in 2023 amounted to €8.6 billion, representing 3.8% of Greece’s GDP. This figure includes contributions from the airport’s operational ecosystem (€3.3 billion), tourism expenditure facilitated by the airport (€5.0 billion), and related transportation services (€314 million). The airport’s role as the country’s primary international gateway positions it as a critical enabler of national economic activity and foreign visitor inflow.

Passenger traffic at Athens International Airport (AIA) reached 28.2 million in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels (25.6 million in 2019) and marking a cumulative 85% increase over the last decade. This surge highlights AIA’s strong post-COVID recovery, placing it among the top European airports for traffic growth between 2019 and 2023.

In terms of employment, Athens International Airport’s economic impact supports approximately 214,000 jobs — 4.2% of the country’s total employment. Of this, 50,000 jobs stem directly from the AIA ecosystem, with significant clusters in airline operations, concessionaires, and outsourced services. The regional impact is also substantial, with 37,000 jobs located in Attica and 4,680 in the Mesogeia area.

The report also highlights that tourist expenditure linked to inbound travel through AIA supported 157,000 jobs in 2023. These include 110,000 direct positions, 26,000 through the supply chain, and 21,000 via induced effects. Public revenue generated from the AIA ecosystem totals €2.7 billion — with €1.5 billion attributed to tourist spending and €1.2 billion to direct and indirect airport-related activities.

Transport services connected to the airport also contribute significantly. The turnover from passenger transportation to and from AIA was €314 million in 2023, with taxi services generating €81.5 million, rental cars €71.5 million, and Attiki Odos €62.8 million. These activities collectively added €314 million to Greece’s GDP and supported approximately 8,000 jobs.

As Vettas underlined during the presentation, AIA acts as a powerful economic multiplier for Greece. The airport not only connects international markets to the country but also sustains employment and public finance, catalyzing long-term economic resilience. The IOBE analysis confirms that AIA’s contribution goes far beyond aviation — shaping regional development, supporting tourism, and enhancing fiscal stability.

In conclusion, Athens International Airport’s economic impact confirms its role as a strategic infrastructure asset for Greece, with substantial and multi-dimensional benefits across sectors. As the aviation sector continues to evolve, AIA’s performance sets a benchmark for economic integration between transport hubs and national development strategies.

The article Athens International Airport’s economic impact strengthens Greece’s GDP and employment first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.