Official statistical data published by Greece’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) shows passenger traffic across the country’s airports increased by 7.6% during the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year. Between January and March 2026, a total of 9,282,984 passengers traveled through Greece’s 39 airports – 658,982 more than last year.

This growth in passenger volume was accompanied by a proportional 6.8% increase in overall air traffic as well. Overall, 80,122 flights operated in the first three months of the year—5,084 flights more than last year.

This upward trend was particularly pronounced at Greece’s 24 regional airports that are managed directly by the CAA. Serving internal destinations such as Kalamata, Alexandroupolis, Ioannina, Chios, Paros, Naxos, and Milos, these reported a 12.5% increase in passenger traffic. Thus, during the first quarter of the year, Greece’s regional airports serviced 769,866 passengers—85,461 more than last year.

According to the CAA, the end of the first quarter of 2026 showed accelerated activity. In March 2026 alone, the total passenger traffic at the CAA-managed airports actually rose by 16.8%.

Notable has been the surge of passenger traffic to Crete. The Heraklion airport has recorded a 18.8% year-over-year increase in its passenger traffic numbers for March. 189,317 travelers arrived there this year, compared to compared to 159,308 in March 2025.