Greek tourism sees record air arrivals despite Middle East tensions

Data from the National Centre for Tourism Research (INSETE) show that international air passenger arrivals in Greece reached a historic 6.59 million in the January‑May 2026 period, an increase of 316 000 (5 %) over the same span a year earlier. Athens International recorded 2.86 million arrivals (+2.2 %) and Thessaloniki 929 000 (+4.2 %). Crete was the biggest regional performer with 1.15 million arrivals (+13.8 %); Heraklion handled 825 563 (+11.3 %) and Chania 328 006 (+20.9 %). The Ionian islands also posted double‑digit gains, with Corfu, Zakynthos and others each seeing rises of around 10‑12 %.

The growth occurred despite three months of conflict in the Persian Gulf and broader Middle East, which did not dampen visitor numbers. By contrast, Turkey registered a 2.56 % decline to 15.23 million visitors in the same period, and Egypt is reported to be approaching a new tourism‑revenue record, underscoring sustained demand for Eastern Mediterranean holidays. A study by the National Bank of Greece’s Economic Analysis unit highlighted airline connectivity as a critical risk factor, yet the sector remained resilient, projecting a modest 3 % sales increase for 2026.