Athens International Airport (AIA) is expected to welcome over 33.4 million passengers in 2025, with management projecting a growth of around 5% compared to 2024.
AIA has already launched an ambitious €1.2 billion investment program, though it anticipates slower growth rates in the future, as current passenger numbers are already at very high levels.
“Based on current data for the winter season, we estimate that 2025 will close with mid-single-digit growthin passenger traffic. Right now, we are at approximately 6.5%,” said CEO Yiannis Paraschis, during a conference call with analysts on the first-half results. He also projected that in the medium-to-long term, growth will stabilize at lower single-digit rates.
These percentages reflect total passenger traffic, though international arrivals are trending higher, based on available data.
Strong First Half for AIA
In the first half of the year, AIA handled 15.1 million passengers, a 7.6% increase compared to 2024. Breaking it down:
- Domestic traffic rose by 2.2%
- International traffic surged by 9.8%
This reflects a steady growth trajectory.
Between January and August, total passenger traffic rose by 6.8% (22.7 million passengers), with:
- International traffic up 8.8% (14.2 million passengers)
- Domestic traffic up 2.1% (6.46 million passengers)
The sharp rise in international passengers, Mr. Paraschis explained, “reflects the attractiveness of the destination and AIA’s successful route and passenger traffic development strategy.”
Thanks to its strong performance, Athens Airport ranked first among European airports in the first half of the year, with a 7.6% increase compared to 2024 and a 33.9% increase over pre-pandemic levels.
EBITDA and Profitability Outlook
Despite an anticipated temporary decline of about 100 basis points in the adjusted EBITDA margin over the next 1–2 years, AIA remains committed to maintaining a long-term EBITDA margin above 60%.
Strong 2024 performance has accelerated the consumption of the Carry Forward Amount, which will slightly compress margins this year. However, the company projects that net profits will remain around €200 million annually for both 2025 and 2026, supported by strong demand and improved yields.
Moreover, 12 new routes (both domestic and international) are scheduled to launch in the second half of the year, further enhancing AIA’s connectivity.
Expansion Projects to Begin in Early 2026
The AIA management also addressed the airport expansion program, with Mr. Paraschis noting that everything is progressing on schedule.
- In early 2026, the contractor for the expansion works (main and satellite terminals) will be selected.
- Construction will commence shortly thereafter.
Mr. Paraschis added that 50% of the capital expenditure will be invested by end of 2028, and the remaining 50% by the end of 2032.
Source: pagenews.gr