Athens as an Aviation Gateway
Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos has consistently ranked among the best airports in Europe for service quality. Located in Spata, east of the city, it handles tens of millions of passengers each year and serves as the main base for Greece's leading airlines. Its role has expanded beyond a seasonal tourist gateway into a year-round hub connecting Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Asia.
For travelers, this means more choice than ever. Whether you are flying to a small Greek island, connecting to a long-haul destination, or looking for an affordable weekend city break, there is an airline that fits your needs and budget.
How We Ranked These Airlines
Our ranking considers network breadth from Athens, on-time performance, onboard comfort, customer service, loyalty program value, and overall traveler satisfaction. We included full-service carriers and low-cost airlines, since the best choice depends on the type of trip.
The 10 Best Airlines Flying from Athens
1. Aegean Airlines
Aegean Airlines is Greece's largest carrier and a member of Star Alliance. Based in Athens, it operates an extensive network of domestic and international routes. The airline has won numerous European regional airline awards for its service, offering complimentary snacks or meals on many flights, friendly crews, and a modern fleet of Airbus aircraft. Its Miles+Bonus program is popular among frequent travelers.
2. Olympic Air
Olympic Air, a subsidiary of Aegean, focuses on domestic routes, including many smaller island airports. Its turboprop fleet can land on short runways, connecting Athens with destinations that larger aircraft cannot serve. For island travelers, Olympic Air is often the fastest and most convenient way to reach remote corners of the Aegean.
3. Sky Express
Sky Express has grown rapidly into a strong second domestic carrier, offering frequent flights to Greek islands and mainland cities as well as selected European destinations. It operates a modern fleet of Airbus and ATR aircraft and has earned recognition for punctuality and efficient service, giving travelers valuable competition on domestic routes.
4. Emirates
Emirates operates flights from Athens to Dubai, providing seamless connections to Asia, Africa, and Australia. The airline is known for spacious cabins, an award-winning entertainment system, and attentive service. Its service between Athens and North America has also historically been a favorite among travelers seeking premium long-haul comfort.
5. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways connects Athens with Doha and its vast global network. The carrier is celebrated for its business class product, high service standards, and efficient transfer experience at Hamad International Airport. For travelers heading to Asia or Oceania, it is one of the most comfortable options.
6. Lufthansa
Lufthansa links Athens with its major hubs in Frankfurt and Munich, giving travelers access to one of the largest networks in Europe and beyond. As a Star Alliance partner of Aegean, it offers convenient codeshares and mileage benefits. Reliability, efficient operations, and strong connectivity are its key strengths.
7. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines serves Athens with frequent flights to Istanbul, where passengers can connect to more destinations than almost any other airline offers. The carrier is known for its generous catering, comfortable cabins, and competitive fares, making it a smart choice for long-distance journeys with one stop.
8. Delta Air Lines
Delta operates seasonal nonstop flights between Athens and the United States, providing direct access for American visitors and Greek travelers alike. Its comfortable long-haul cabins and strong partnerships across the SkyTeam alliance make it a dependable option for transatlantic travel.
9. Ryanair
Ryanair has a significant presence in Athens, offering low fares to many European cities and selected domestic routes. While the service model is no-frills, its extensive network and frequent sales make it attractive for budget-conscious travelers who pack light and book early.
10. Volotea
Volotea specializes in connecting medium-sized and smaller cities across Europe. In Athens, it provides affordable domestic and international flights, often to destinations underserved by other airlines. Its simple pricing structure and friendly service have earned it a loyal following among leisure travelers.
Trends in Athens Aviation
Tourism growth has pushed airlines to extend the summer season and add more winter routes. Long-haul connectivity has improved notably, with more nonstop flights to North America and Asia. Airlines are also investing in newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft to reduce emissions, and sustainable aviation fuel initiatives are gaining attention across the European market. The airport itself continues to expand terminal capacity to keep pace with demand.
Tips for Booking Flights from Athens
Compare total costs, not just base fares, since baggage and seat selection fees can change the picture. For island travel, check both air and ferry options, as flights are often faster but schedules may be limited. Joining a loyalty program can pay off quickly if you fly regularly within Greece.
Final Thoughts
From award-winning national carriers to global giants and affordable low-cost airlines, Athens offers a rich choice for every kind of traveler. Selecting the right airline depends on your destination, budget, and comfort priorities, and the ten carriers on this list represent the very best the Greek capital has to offer.