So You’re Heading to Athens? A Deep Dive into Airlines Serving the Cradle of Civilization

Planning a trip to Athens, the heart of ancient Greece? Excellent choice! But before you can marvel at the Acropolis or savor some authentic souvlaki, you need to get there. The good news is Athens International Airport (ATH) is a major hub, served by a plethora of airlines connecting it to destinations worldwide. So, to answer the burning question: What airlines fly to Athens, Greece? The answer is…a lot! You’ll find a comprehensive list including both major international carriers and budget-friendly options.

Here’s a snapshot, categorized for clarity:

• Major International Airlines: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.

• Low-Cost Carriers: easyJet, Eurowings, Ryanair, Volotea, Transavia, and Wizz Air.

• Regional and Seasonal Airlines: Numerous regional airlines operate seasonally or offer specific routes to Athens, including but not limited to Air Serbia, Cyprus Airways, EgyptAir, El Al Israel Airlines, Gulf Air, Iberia, Olympic Air (Aegean’s subsidiary), Sky Express, Tarom, and many more.

This list is not exhaustive, and specific airlines and routes can change depending on the season, demand, and global events. Always check directly with the airlines or use flight comparison websites for the most up-to-date information.

Navigating Your Flight Options to Athens

Choosing the right airline involves more than just finding the cheapest fare. Consider factors such as:

• Departure City: Some airlines specialize in routes from specific regions.
• Budget: Low-cost carriers offer attractive prices, but be mindful of extra fees for baggage and seat selection.
• Comfort and Amenities: Full-service airlines provide more comfortable seating, in-flight entertainment, and complimentary meals.
• Layover Preferences: Direct flights are ideal, but layovers can sometimes significantly reduce the price. Consider the length and location of layovers.
• Baggage Allowance: Ensure the airline’s baggage allowance aligns with your needs, or factor in the cost of extra baggage.
• Loyalty Programs: If you’re a member of an airline loyalty program, flying with a partner airline can earn you valuable points.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Flying to Athens

1. What is the main airport in Athens?

The main airport serving Athens is Athens International Airport (ATH), also known as Eleftherios Venizelos Airport. It’s located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of the city center.

2. How can I get from Athens Airport to the city center?

You have several options:

• Metro: The metro (Line 3, Blue Line) connects the airport to Syntagma Square in the city center.
• Bus: Several public bus lines operate between the airport and various locations in Athens.
• Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals area. Be sure the taxi uses the meter, or negotiate the price beforehand.
• Private Transfer: Pre-booked private transfers offer a convenient and hassle-free option.
• Rental Car: Several car rental agencies have offices at the airport.

3. Which airlines offer direct flights to Athens from the United States?

Several airlines offer direct flights from the United States to Athens, especially during the peak summer season. These include:

• Delta Air Lines: From New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL) and Boston (BOS).
• United Airlines: From Newark (EWR), Washington D.C. (IAD) and Chicago (ORD).
• American Airlines: From Philadelphia (PHL).
• Emirates: From Newark (EWR) via Athens to Dubai (DXB) (Note: Emirates offers a flight from Newark to Dubai that stops in Athens.)

4. Are there any budget airlines that fly to Athens?

Yes! Several budget airlines operate flights to Athens, including:

• Ryanair
• easyJet
• Eurowings
• Wizz Air
• Volotea
• Transavia

These airlines often offer very competitive fares, but remember to factor in extra costs for baggage, seat selection, and onboard services.

5. What is the best time of year to find cheap flights to Athens?

The shoulder seasons (spring and fall) typically offer the best deals on flights to Athens. The weather is still pleasant, and you’ll avoid the peak summer crowds and prices. Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) is often cheaper than flying on weekends.

6. How far in advance should I book my flights to Athens?

For the best deals, it’s generally recommended to book your flights to Athens 2-3 months in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season (summer).

7. What are some of the most popular connecting airports for flights to Athens?

Popular connecting airports for flights to Athens include:

• Amsterdam (AMS) (KLM)
• Frankfurt (FRA) (Lufthansa)
• Paris (CDG) (Air France)
• Istanbul (IST) (Turkish Airlines)
• Zurich (ZRH) (Swiss International Air Lines)
• London Heathrow (LHR) (British Airways)
• Doha (DOH) (Qatar Airways)
• Dubai (DXB) (Emirates)

8. Does Aegean Airlines fly internationally?

Yes! Aegean Airlines is the flag carrier of Greece and operates a comprehensive network of international routes throughout Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. They offer flights to numerous destinations, including major European cities, as well as regional destinations within Greece.

9. Are there any airlines that fly direct to the Greek islands from Athens?

Yes, many airlines fly from Athens to the Greek islands. Aegean Airlines and its subsidiary Olympic Air operate extensive domestic routes connecting Athens to almost all of the inhabited Greek islands. Other airlines such as Sky Express also provide such flights.

10. What should I do if my flight to Athens is delayed or cancelled?

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, immediately contact the airline. European regulations (EU 261) provide passengers with certain rights, including:

• Right to Information: The airline must provide you with information about the reason for the delay or cancellation, as well as your rights.
• Right to Care: Depending on the length of the delay, the airline must provide you with meals, refreshments, and accommodation if necessary.
• Right to Re-routing or Refund: You have the right to be re-routed to your final destination at the earliest opportunity, or to receive a full refund of your ticket price.
• Right to Compensation: In some cases, you may be entitled to compensation for the delay or cancellation.

11. Is it better to fly into Athens or another Greek airport?

It depends on your itinerary. If Athens is your primary destination or you plan to explore the mainland first, flying into Athens International Airport (ATH) is the most convenient option. However, if you’re primarily interested in visiting the Greek islands, it might be more efficient to fly directly to an island airport (such as Santorini (JTR), Mykonos (JMK), or Rhodes (RHO)) via a connecting flight or a direct flight if available from your origin. Ferry connections from Piraeus Port near Athens can then provide access to many other islands.

12. What travel documents do I need to fly to Athens?

Generally, you will need:

• A valid passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Greece.
• Visa (if required): Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Greece. Check the visa requirements for your specific country of citizenship.
• Proof of onward travel: You may be asked to show proof of onward travel (e.g., a return ticket or a ticket to another destination).

Always double-check the latest travel advisories and entry requirements from your government and the Greek government before your trip. Enjoy your trip to Athens!