- By Viki Tryfona
The Greek aviation sector is entering a period of profound reorganization and adaptation to new international conditions, as highlighted by the 8th Infrastructure and Transport Conference ITC 2025. The interventions of representatives of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), airports, Fraport Greece, AEGEAN and the pilot training market highlighted a common message: growth exists and will continue, but the sustainability of this path requires institutional transformation, investments in systems and human resources, as well as better demand management.
Institutional transformation of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority
The Governor of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority, George Saunatsos, announced that the bill for the transformation of the Authority into a Legal Entity of Public Law will soon be put out for public consultation. This is an institutional change that, as he said, will give the Authority greater flexibility and operational capacity to respond to modern needs.
He stressed that the sector is facing “significant international and domestic challenges”, with rapid technological progress, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence changing the way air transport operates. At the same time, geopolitical developments and economic uncertainties require adaptation, balance and strategic foresight.
Staffing and delays
Strengthening human resources is a critical front. Mr. Sounatsos announced that the recruitment process for new air traffic controllers has been completed, with the first 97 to take up duties soon. In addition, new recruitments for electronics are underway for 2025-2026.
“The recruitments will address the chronic problem of understaffing that causes delays,” he said, recalling that this year the Athens FIR recorded a 7.3% increase in traffic but a more than 30% decrease in delays compared to last year.
Investments of 300 million euros in technologies
The CAA is proceeding with the modernization of air navigation systems through 13 projects totaling more than 300 million euros. These include the new central air traffic management (ATM) system, the modernization of radar and the installation of a new one.
The Deputy Governor of the Hellenic Aviation Authority, Kalliopi Lykou, pointed out that the lack of specialized personnel is a global phenomenon, with ICAO planning actions to attract young people and women to the sector.
International traffic: Growth with brakes
From the perspective of Athens International Airport, the General Manager of Operations, Alexandros Aravanis, spoke of the need to “rationalize growth”. As he said, in Europe traffic will increase at a rate of 2%-3%, while in Greece it will remain higher.
“Eleftherios Venizelos” records a 7% increase compared to last year and 35% compared to 2019, with the greatest boost coming from international connections – especially flights to the USA, which reached 16 compared to just three a few years ago. AIA’s €1.3 billion expansion program will increase capacity to 40 million passengers by 2032.
Fraport Greece: New projects on the islands
Fraport Greece is investing €200 million in Corfu, Kos, Mykonos and Santorini, aiming to improve infrastructure and services. At the same time, smaller interventions of €50 million are being implemented each year, while with the support of the Recovery Fund, €150 million worth of projects are being carried out for runway and taxiway safety. New projects are also planned for Kefalonia, Zakynthos and Chania.
AEGEAN: More seats in winter
On the air carrier side, AEGEAN Chief Ground Operations Officer Panos Nikolaidis announced a 10% increase in capacity for this winter season, with the continuation of routes that began in the summer and an emphasis on the growth prospects of Thessaloniki.
The growing demand for pilots
Finally, Global Aviation CEO Alexandros Tsaktanis highlighted the strong demand for professional pilots. As he said, training is in a phase of rapid growth, with demand having returned and exceeded pre-pandemic levels, creating pressure on training schools.
