The Athens International Airport has consistently demonstrated that sustainability lies at the core of its strategy. Twenty-five years ahead of the European target for airports, Athens Airport leads developments with consistency, foresight, and a clear commitment to the environment and society.
This was stated by the Minister of Tourism, Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, speaking at a special event held at Athens International Airport (AIA) on the occasion of the completion of the Route 25 initiative, a pioneering project with a strong environmental and developmental impact.
In her greeting, she emphasized that Greece, as one of the leading forces in global tourism, must be at the forefront, and added that the Route 25 initiative constitutes a milestone for the transformation of transportation and tourism toward a sustainable, resilient, and environmentally responsible development model.
It is noted that Athens International Airport announced the Route 25 plan in December 2019, which represents its commitment to achieving a net-zero carbon balance by 2025. Through this internationally pioneering initiative, AIA aims to become the first airport operator in Europe to cover 100% of its electricity needs with on-site production from renewable sources and to eliminate its direct emissions from fuel consumption.
Ms. Kefalogianni emphasized that for a country where the vast majority of visitors arrive by air, the role of airports is crucial. The contribution of Athens International Airport is therefore, and will continue to be, decisive Not only operationally, but also in enhancing the reputation and overall image of Greece as a country that invests in green development and innovation.
She also mentioned that Greece actively participates in shaping the first common European Strategy for Sustainable Tourism, which will be presented in 2026, following the assumption of the EU portfolio for Sustainable Transport and Tourism by Commissioner Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas.
The Minister presented institutional initiatives, such as the globally innovative hotel classification system, as well as support for investments with attention to their environmental footprint and the promotion of energy upgrades for tourism infrastructure.
Furthermore, Ms. Kefalogianni stressed that the capitals airport often constitutes the first and last impression for millions of visitors from around the world. In this context, the business and operational strategy aligns with a high priority of the Ministry of Tourism: the sustainable development of urban tourism in Greece, and specifically Athens tourism, which in recent years has evolved dynamically into one of the top European urban destinations.
In conclusion, the Minister stated that the Ministry of Tourism continues to work toward a tourism sector that is competitive and simultaneously sustainable, shaping a model of sustainable tourism development that will serve as a legacy for future generations.
The event was attended by European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Mr. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Mr. Christos Dimas, Minister of Environment and Energy Mr. Stavros Papastavrou, Chairman of the Board of Athens International Airport Mr. Michail Kefalogiannis, and CEO of AIA and President of SETE Mr. Ioannis Paraschos.
