The U.S. travel market to Athens—and to Greece overall—is heading toward record levels this fall. The latest data shows a surge in direct flights to Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos,” peaking in September with a 40.6% increase compared to last year, highlighting the strong momentum of the U.S. market during the shoulder season of Greek tourism.
At the same time, exclusive data obtained by Tornos News from airline analytics company Cirium, covering scheduled direct flights from the three major markets (USA, Germany, and the UK) to top Greek tourist destinations in September, October, November, and December 2025, shows that demand—which drives airline flight programs—is rising strongly in both Germany and the UK for Greece during autumn 2025, compared to the same period last year. Exceptions are Mykonos and Santorini, which continue to suffer due to geological activity in Santorini earlier this year and their overall high-cost image.
While the Cyclades are facing losses, clear signs of season extension are being seen not only in major urban centers like Athens and Thessaloniki but also in destinations such as Heraklion and Rhodes, especially driven by demand from the German market.
U.S. Market “Takes Off” for Athens in September
Data for September 2025 shows a remarkable increase in U.S. flights to Athens compared to September 2024. Specifically, Athens will receive 40.6% more flights from the U.S., which translates to 106 additional flights, rising from 261 to 367.
The increase continues—though more modestly—through the next months:
October 2025: +17.7% (272 flights)
November 2025: +20.5% (94 flights)
December 2025: steady at 60 flights (same as 2024)
At the same time, flights from Germany and the UK to Athens are showing consistent growth from September to December 2025, also boosted by business travel to the capital during this time.
From Germany to Athens:
September: +0.8% (660 flights)
October: +2% (668 flights)
November: +9.9% (564 flights)
December: +8.5% (564 flights)
From the UK to Athens:
September: +5.2% (603 flights)
October: +1.7% (601 flights)
November: +11.6% (502 flights)
December: +10.1% (514 flights)
Thessaloniki Also Gains Ground
From Germany to Thessaloniki:
September: +9.7% (579 flights)
October: +6.5% (557 flights)
November: +18% (380 flights)
December: +14.3% (375 flights)
From the UK to Thessaloniki:
September: +5.9% (216 flights)
October: +3% (139 flights)
November: +13.7% (58 flights)
December: +18.4% (58 flights)
Mykonos and Santorini Still Struggling
Santorini and Mykonos are still seeing flight declines due to early-year seismic activity (Santorini) and high price perception in both islands.
Germany to Santorini:
September: −14.3% (54 vs. 63 flights in 2024)
October: +9.3% (47 vs. 43 flights)
Germany to Mykonos:
September: steady at 46 flights
October: +7.7% (28 vs. 26 flights)
UK to Santorini:
September: −27.1% (167 vs. 229 flights)
October: −32.8% (117 vs. 174 flights)
UK to Mykonos:
September: −7.8% (106 vs. 115 flights)
October: −36.5% (40 vs. 63 flights)
Germany Drives Season Extension in Heraklion – 171 More Flights in December
Connectivity with Heraklion is strengthening from both the German and British markets this autumn. In fact, October flights exceed September levels, showing a clear trend toward season extension.
Germany to Heraklion:
September: +8.4% (1,022 vs. 943 flights in 2024)
October: +14.2% (1,061 vs. 929)
November: +53% (361 vs. 236)
December: +237% (243 vs. 72; 171 more flights)
UK to Heraklion (activity extends until October):
September: +12% (615 vs. 549 flights)
October: +15.2% (493 vs. 428 flights)
Signs of “German Extension” in Rhodes
Rhodes is seeing rising flight numbers from both Germany and the UK, but particularly strong growth from the German market, helping extend the season.
Germany to Rhodes:
September: +10.6% (510 flights, 49 more)
October: +14.9% (517 flights, 67 more)
November: +116% (136 flights, 73 more)
December: +300% (84 flights, 63 more)
UK to Rhodes:
September: +7.7% (728 flights, 52 more)
October: +2.9% (596 flights)
November: +2.2% (46 flights)
