At the top of Europe was again Athens airport, taking the first place in the votes of aviation companies.
At this year’s largest annual meeting of the European aviation industry“Routes Europe 2026” (18-20 May) held inRimini, Italy, Athens Airport – “repeating the success of the previous year”, as the organizers pointed out – again won first place for its marketing strategy and actions to develop the Athens market, the most competitive category of over 20 million passengers.
The Routes Awards are one of a kind, as the voting and decision-making process belongs exclusively to the airlines, rewarding excellence in aviation development worldwide.
“This year’s distinction takes on even greater significance as it comes just months after Athens International Airport’s great success in Routes World 2025,confirming Athens’ solid momentum as one of the most competitive and growing aviation markets worldwide.” AIA noted in a announcement.
In the Athens Airport category, the airports of Rome, Munich, Brussels and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport also competed.
Recall that in 2025, AIA recorded a new historic performance, serving 34 million passengers, up 6.7% compared to 2024. At the same time, 21 airlines, including 9 new to the Athens market, added services to the airport’s network, with 29 new destinations, while 20 additional frequency increases and new services on existing routes further enhanced the city’s connectivity.
Athens International Airport’s Ioanna Papadopoulou, Director of Communications & Marketing, said “We are delighted with our first place in the highly competitive Routes Europe awards and are highly motivated to continue working with the same dedication to enhance the connectivity of the airport and our city.
This award has special significance for us as it comes from the airlines, who recognise both the continued momentum of the Athens market and the airport’s steadfast support for their further development.
A warm “thank you” to the airlines for their trust and, of course, to my colleagues in the AIA aviation marketing team for their hard work and truly team effort with excellent results.”
