Greek government earmarks €250 million for Paros airport and Thessaloniki exhibition centre upgrades

The Greek National Development Plan (EPAN) 2026‑2030 has approved two major infrastructure projects. The upgrade of the new Paros Airport was included with a budget of €45.44 million. The works will add a new terminal building of 12 117 m², a new control tower, fire station, security facilities, sewage treatment plant, expanded aircraft parking apron and runway extension from 1 400 m to 1 799 m, as well as archaeological and utility works. The project is slated for completion by 31 December 2030, with Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas stating the upgrade will boost safety, passenger service and tourism on the island.

A separate allocation of €204.6 million was approved for the redevelopment of the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre (ΔΕΘ). The plan creates a 120‑hectare metropolitan park, constructs two new bioclimatic exhibition halls (≈43 000 m² total), fully renovates the Ioannis Vellidis Conference Centre, adds about 1 000 underground parking spaces and upgrades surrounding public spaces across roughly 89 000 m². The project will be carried out in three phases to keep the venue operational, with Finance Minister Kyriakos Piraakakis confirming the funding underscores the government’s priority on large‑scale public investments.