On November 25, 2024, Athens International Airport (AIA) and airBaltic hosted a joint event at Athens International Airport to celebrate their fruitful partnership and remarkable milestones in passenger traffic. The gathering highlighted airBaltic’s significant contributions to connecting Athens with the Baltic and Nordic regions, underscoring the airline's strong presence and growing impact in the market.
A Strong and Growing Partnership
Since 2007, airBaltic has transported a total of 328.8 thousand passengers between Riga and Athens. This partnership has grown stronger over the years, driven by airBaltic’s commitment to providing direct, high-capacity flights to meet the increasing demand for connections between Greece and the Baltic region.
In 2023, airBaltic achieved a historic milestone, recording 47,000 passengers traveling directly between Riga and Athens. This was made possible by upgrading the route to operate nearly year-round and offering increased capacity to meet market needs. The momentum has only accelerated in 2024, with record-breaking growth continuing into the year.
2024: A Year of Remarkable Growth
From January to October 2024, direct passenger traffic on the Riga-Athens route grew by 14% compared to the same period in 2023, reaching an impressive 43,630 passengers. Particularly noteworthy are the exceptional growth rates recorded during the off-peak season:
March 2024:Â Passenger numbers surged by an astounding 950% compared to March 2023.
April 2024:Â Traffic increased by 80% compared to April 2023.
This robust growth highlights airBaltic’s success in boosting connectivity during non-peak periods, further cementing Athens as a year-round travel destination.
Connecting Athens with the Baltic and Nordic Regions
airBaltic has become a critical link between Athens and the Baltic and Nordic countries. Operating through its hub in Riga, the airline offers seamless connections to key cities in the region, enhancing Athens’ position as a global travel hub.
The demographic profile of passengers reflects the importance of this route:
Greek Travelers:Â 57% travel for holidays and leisure, while 19% travel for business purposes.
Foreign Visitors: A significant 88% visit Athens for holiday and leisure, showcasing the city’s enduring appeal as a cultural and tourist destination.
Looking Ahead
As airBaltic continues to expand its offerings and strengthen its collaboration with Athens International Airport, the future looks bright for this dynamic partnership. With strong passenger growth and an unwavering commitment to providing top-tier connections, both AIA and airBaltic are poised to further enhance Athens' role as a gateway to Europe and beyond.
This milestone celebration serves as a testament to the shared success of Athens International Airport and airBaltic, and their continued dedication to offering exceptional travel experiences to passengers worldwide.
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