How many airports in Athens? A complete guide to travel, history and practical tips

For travellers contemplating a trip to Greece’s iconic capital, a common question pops up early in the planning process: how many airports in Athens are there, and which one should you fly into or out of? The straightforward answer is that today there is one active civilian airport that serves Athens directly, with historical and military airfields adding nuance to the picture. This guide unpacks the question in depth, explains what each facility does, and offers practical advice for planning flights, transfers, and day trips in and around the Athens region.

How many airports in Athens today? A quick answer

Short answer: there is one primary public airport that serves Athens, known as Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos (code ATH). This is the main gateway for international and domestic flights to and from the Attica region. There are other airfields in the broader Athens area—primarily military bases and smaller general aviation facilities—but these do not function as regular civilian international or domestic passenger airports in the way that ATH does. So, when people ask how many airports in Athens, the clear, practical response for most travellers is: one main civilian airport, with additional specialised airfields nearby.

The primary airport for Athens: Eleftherios Venizelos

Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) stands as the sole major civilian airport serving Athens in contemporary times. Located near Spata, roughly 20 kilometres east of central Athens, it opened in 2001 to replace the historic Ellinikon International Airport. The new airport was designed to handle growing air traffic, improve passenger experience, and provide modern facilities that reflect Athens’ status as a major European travel hub. If your travel plans include flying to or from Athens, ATH is the facility you’ll encounter most often.

Key features of Athens International Airport include:

• Efficient international connections: ATH hosts a wide array of long-haul and short-haul services, with routes to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.
• Modern infrastructure: The terminal complexes, arrivals and departures halls, security zones, and commercial areas are geared toward quick transfers and comfortable passenger flow.
• Strategic location: The airport’s eastern Attica location provides relatively straightforward access to central Athens by road and rail, with ongoing improvements to road links and public transport options.

For most travellers, “How many airports in Athens?” begins and ends with the knowledge that ATH is the primary gateway for air travel to the city. Yet there is more to the story when you consider historical shifts and the range of airfields that exist in the surrounding region.

Historical context: from Ellinikon to Eleftherios Venizelos

Understanding the question of how many airports in Athens also involves looking back at the city’s aviation history. The former Ellinikon International Airport, located in the coastal area of Elliniko in the southern part of Athens, was once the city’s main international gateway. It operated from the late 1930s until the new airport opened in 2001. As traffic grew and design standards evolved, a decision was made to relocate the central passenger operations to a purpose-built facility at Spata—now ATH. The Ellinikon site has since been redeveloped, with discussions and plans for a large urban redevelopment project to transform the area into a mixed-use district with housing, parks, and cultural venues. In terms of how many airports in Athens, the Ellinikon airport’s closure for regular passenger service effectively reduced the number of active civilian airports in the region to one: ATH.

In addition to these two historic and current civilian installations, the Athens area hosts military airfields and general aviation facilities. While they do not contribute to the standard “airports” count for international travel, they do reflect the complexity of aviation infrastructure in and around the capital. For travellers, the practical takeaway is still that the central passenger gateway remains Athens International Airport (ATH), with Ellinikon’s role as a commercial airport having ended, and military or private facilities serving very different purposes.

The Ellinikon legacy: what happened to the old airport?

The Ellinikon site was once a bustling international gateway, delivering Greece’s first instance of modern air travel to countless visitors. As a matter of public policy and urban planning, the decision to move civilian traffic to the new Spata facility created space for a future redevelopment project at Ellinikon. While the site no longer operates as a sunny, high-traffic airport, its location remains one of Athens’ most notable footprints in urban development debates. For travellers, this history matters when considering the broader options around air travel in the region—because it underscores why the city’s aviation needs are anchored in ATH today, with Ellinikon offering a different kind of urban and economic potential for the future.

Other airfields around Athens: military bases and general aviation

Beyond the primary Athens International Airport, the Attica region houses a number of other airfields. These are typically reserved for military use, training, or private and recreational flying. They do not function as open, passenger-friendly airports in the way ATH does, but they form an important part of the regional aviation ecosystem and occasionally appear in discussions of how many airports in Athens exist in practice.

Tatoi Air Base and other military facilities

One of the better-known facilities in the Athens area is Tatoi Air Base, a military installation north of Athens that has historically supported air force operations. It is not a commercial airport and does not offer regular passenger services. Access to such bases is restricted, and they operate under military flight schedules and security considerations. For travellers and aviation enthusiasts alike, Tatoi represents a reminder that the region does host aviation infrastructure beyond public airports, even if those facilities do not provide routine civil transport experiences.

General aviation and smaller airstrips near Attica

Attica and the broader Athens region contain a number of smaller airstrips and private aviation facilities used by flying clubs, charter operators, and business jet services. These spaces fill niches in the aviation market—for example, offering training, private flights, or air ambulance operations. Again, these are not public passenger airports in the standard sense; their operations are subject to strict regulatory oversight and are typically not visible to the average traveller unless you are engaging in private aviation arrangements. This is another facet of the question how many airports in Athens when considering all airfields in the area, not just those serving mass-market travellers.

Why the count matters for travellers: planning your trip

Understanding how many airports in Athens ultimately helps you plan visits with clarity and reduces the risk of misdirection at the point of travel. The practical implications are straightforward:

• Primary gateway: If you are flying commercially to Athens for a city break, business trip, or family visit, the odds are high that you will arrive at or depart from Athens International Airport (ATH).
• Transfers and logistics: Knowing that ATH is the central hub informs your transport options—whether you choose to take the suburban rail link, a taxi, or a coach service into central Athens or onward to Piraeus and the rest of the Attica region.
• Historical context for enthusiasts: For travellers who enjoy aviation history, the Ellinikon legacy adds depth to a visit to Athens. It provides context about how urban planning and transport infrastructure have shaped the city over the last few decades.
• Avoiding confusion: Some travellers may come across references to other airfields or military bases in the region. Understanding that these are not regular civilian airports helps set realistic expectations about what services are available to the public.

Using Athens International Airport for your trip

Athens International Airport (ATH) is designed with passenger convenience in mind. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate your journey seamlessly:

Arrivals and baggage claim

Upon arrival, you’ll go through passport control and baggage reclaim in the arrivals hall. The layout is intuitive, with clear signage in English and Greek. If you have groceries, souvenirs, or duty-free purchases, you’ll find a broad range of shops and restaurants in both terminals. For families and travellers with mobility needs, ATH offers assistance and accessible facilities at key points throughout the airport.

Departures and check-in

Check-in desks are grouped by airline and destination. The security screening process is efficient, and the airport provides fast-track options for eligible travellers or airline status holders. If you’re departing to a European destination, you may find faster connections through the Schengen area, while longer-haul flights connect to various continents depending on the season and airline network.

Ground transport from ATH to central Athens

Getting from ATH to central Athens is straightforward, with several reliable options:

• Rail: The suburban railway (Proastiakos) and a dedicated airport express link offer direct routes to central Athens or to major urban spokes such as Piraeus. This is often the most economical and convenient option for travellers arriving with luggage and wanting to avoid traffic.
• Road: Taxis are widely available outside the arrivals area. Expect metered fares with potential supplements for late-night journeys or larger groups. Private transfer services and ride-hailing apps are also common, providing a comfortable door-to-door experience.
• Bus: Several city and regional bus services connect ATH with key destinations, offering a budget-friendly alternative for those with time to spare.

Nearby airports and alternative routes for special cases

While Athens International Airport is the primary gateway for most visits to the city, there are contextual scenarios where travellers consider nearby destinations within Greece. For example, if you’re combining a trip to Athens with a longer Greek itinerary, you might research whether a domestic flight into a nearby island or a smaller regional airport could align better with your travel plan. In geographical terms, there are no other major international airports within the immediate Athens area, and the closest competitor in terms of large-scale operations remains in Thessaloniki and other city regions. If you’re planning such multi-city itineraries, it’s useful to know that the number of airports in Athens stays singular for civil, public air travel, with Ellinikon’s legacy represented in history rather than current operations.

Frequently asked questions: How many airports in Athens?

Here are answers to common queries that readers often ask when evaluating the aviation options around the Greek capital.

• How many airports in Athens are actively serving passengers? One primary civilian airport, Athens International Airport (ATH). A former commercial airport, Ellinikon, has been redeveloped for other uses, and military airfields exist in the region but do not serve commercial passenger flights.
• Is there a second civilian airport for Athens? No, not in terms of regular passenger service. The notable second site in the past, Ellinikon, is no longer used for public air travel. Any future proposals would depend on government planning and investment, but as of now, ATH remains the sole major civilian airport for Athens.
• What about private jets or charter flights? These services can use ATH or, in some cases, private airfields around the region that operate on a restricted or exclusive basis. If you require a private terminal experience, you’ll typically coordinate directly with an operator or with the airport authorities for scheduling and ground handling at ATH.
• Can I fly into Ellinikon today? Not for public passenger flights. Ellinikon’s current role is oriented toward development and other non-passenger uses. If you encounter references to Ellinikon airport, it is typically historical or speculative in nature rather than an active commercial facility.
• Why does the count matter for my itinerary? Knowing that there is a single major hub (ATH) helps with timing, transport planning, visa and immigration processes, and the consistency of flight schedules. It also clarifies what to expect in terms of check-in, baggage handling, and transfers.

Connecting Athens to broader travel plans within Greece

One of the strengths of Aeronautical infrastructure in Greece is its networked travel options. If your journey involves multiple Greek destinations, you may find that flying into ATH is ideal for certain legs, while train or ferry connections may be preferable for others. The city’s central position in the Attica region makes it a logical hub for both business and leisure travellers, and the island-hopping possibilities from Athens can be appealing. When considering the question how many airports in Athens, it’s essential to keep in mind both the practical reality and the broader travel choices that Greece offers from its major urban centres.

Historical trivia: how many airports in Athens has changed over time

Readers who enjoy aviation lore will appreciate a quick look at the evolution of Athens’ air infrastructure. The city once relied on Ellinikon for most international traffic until the early 2000s, when a modern, purpose-built facility opened at Spata. The relocation was driven by capacity needs, safety standards, and the desire to create a dedicated passenger experience for both domestic and international travellers. In the years since, ATH has grown to accommodate rising passenger numbers, expanded route networks, and enhanced services. This history feeds into the broader question of how many airports in Athens, because it underscores the dynamic nature of urban planning and transport policy in response to evolving travel demand.

Practicalities: choosing your airport and planning ahead

For most journeys to Athens, ATH is the foundation of your travel plans. Here are practical considerations to ensure you get the best experience:

• Flight scheduling: Check flight times with your airline well in advance, especially during peak seasons when flight schedules can shift due to demand, weather, or maintenance work.
• Transfers: If you are staying in central Athens, plan for a 30–60 minute journey from ATH depending on traffic and chosen mode of transport. Consider a taxi or private transfer for convenience if you have heavy luggage or a tight schedule.
• Time zones and arrival windows: Greece operates on Eastern European Time (EET) in winter and Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) in summer. When planning onward travel, factor in potential delays caused by peak travel seasons, security checks, or queue times for passport control on arrival.
• Accessibility: ATH is equipped with accessibility services for travellers with reduced mobility, as well as facilities for families, unaccompanied minors, and passengers with special assistance needs. It is wise to arrange assistance in advance if required.

Would you consider other Greek airports as alternatives?

While the question how many airports in Athens has a straightforward answer, travellers often ask about options in nearby regions. If your schedule includes inter-city travel or a quick hop to a nearby destination, you might be tempted to explore alternative airports in Greece. For instance, Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG) serves northern Greece and is a significant hub, while Rhodes (RHO), Heraklion (HER), and Corfu (CFU) provide connections to popular island destinations. However, these airports are not in the Athens vicinity and would be part of a broader itinerary rather than a direct substitute for Athens’ main gateway. In terms of the core question, the number of airports in Athens remains one civilian hub, with additional airfields serving non-passenger roles nearby.

A concise recap: How many airports in Athens?

To sum up, the number of airports in Athens, understood in the context of civilian passenger aviation, is one main airport—Athens International Airport (ATH). The Ellinikon site represents a legacy airport that has ceased operating for passenger travel and is undergoing redevelopment. Military airfields and private or general aviation facilities in the region contribute to a broader aviation landscape, but they do not function as commercial passenger airports for the public. For travellers asking how many airports in Athens, the essential fact remains: one operational international gateway, with a rich history and surrounding aviation assets that shape the city’s unique aviation ecosystem.

Final thoughts: embracing the Athens aviation landscape

Whether you are a first-time visitor, a seasoned traveller, or an aviation enthusiast, understanding how many airports in Athens helps you navigate travel with confidence. Athens International Airport (ATH) stands as the indispensable hub, connecting the city to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. The historical transition from Ellinikon to ATH marks a pivotal moment in Greek transport policy, reflecting a broader trend toward modernity and efficiency in air travel. While the region houses important airfields that support military and private aviation, the public, passenger-focused airport network concentrates its public operations at ATH. This knowledge not only guides your trip planning but also enriches your appreciation of Athens as a city with a storied aviation past and a forward-looking transport future.

For travellers seeking more information about travel to Athens, remember that the question How many airports in Athens ultimately points to a single, primary civilian gateway. When you come to book flights, plan transfers, and prepare for your visit, let ATH be your anchor, and enjoy the rich experiences that Greece’s capital has to offer.