Greece’s air travel chaos amid record tourism surge

Greek airports are facing a twin challenge of soaring passenger numbers and worsening flight delays. Eurocontrol data show that flight delays in Greece have risen 63 % compared with 2025, largely due to outdated radar equipment – the Athens airport radar dates from 2001 – and staffing shortages in control towers. The problems have rippled across European air traffic, with 13 % of June’s continent‑wide delays traced to Greece.

At the same time, Greece is experiencing a tourism boom. In the first six months, Athens’ Eleftherios Venizelos handled 15.75 million passengers, a 4.5 % increase over the previous year, and overall arrivals are up 38.3 % year‑on‑year. Scheduled international seat capacity to Greece grew 9.2 % through October, and travel spending per visitor jumped 64.3 %. While the influx promises higher revenues, the strained air‑traffic system threatens to dampen the season’s momentum.

Authorities have convened crisis meetings, but new radar systems will not be operational before 2029, leaving travelers to contend with longer waits and possible cancellations throughout the current season.