The Year of the Horse @ Athens International Airport
On the 25th of February, Athens International Airport held a celebration at its Terminal celebrating the Chinese Year, the year of the Horse, together with our colleagues and friends from the three Chinese airlines that are operating to Athens - Air China, Juneyao and Sichuan Airlines, representatives from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Athens and media from both Countries.
A few words about the Chinese market for Athens International Airport
2025 was a RECORD year for Direct traffic between China and Athens.Direct traffic between Athens and China grew by 31% to 2024 and by 149% to pre-Pandemic 2019. For the first 2 months of 2026, traffic is growing even stronger with 35% Jan-Feb 2026 vs. 2025.
- In September 2017, Air China service was upgraded to a non-stop service between Beijing and Athens.
- Following to the pandemic, the Chinese market gradually re-opened in Q2 2023
- In April 2024, Shanghai entered Athens network with Juneyao Airlines offering 3 weekly frequencies
- In July 2025, Sichuan Airlines added Athens from Chengdu, operating via IST, 4 times weekly. Air China and Juneyao increased frequencies even more
For 2025, Athens was connected to China with 3 routes, with Air China operating to Beijing, Juneyao Airlines operating to Shanghai and Sichuan Airlines operating, via IST, to Chengdu. Combined, all 3 airlines offered 12 weekly frequencies between Athens and China, during peak-Summer, the highest number so far.
In terms of Tourism (Foreign residents arrivals) China ranked 16th for Athens, with a growth of 13% to 2024.
In 2026, Athens connectivity to China is further enhanced with Juneyao Airlines and Air China increasing weekly frequencies to 5/7 each. Juneyao Airlines will increase weekly frequencies to 5/7 as of April 1st, from 4/7 last Summer. Air China will increase weekly frequencies to 5/7 as of July 7th, from 4/7 last Summer.
Combined, all 3 airlines will offer 14 weekly frequencies between Athens and China in peak-Summer 2026, +2 to Summer 2025. Wednesday (Day 3), will be the strongest day for Athens in direct capacity to China, as all 3 airlines will operate.
Athens International Airport would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to our Chinese partners for your continued trust to our market and partnership.
All of the best wishes to our Chinese airlines and colleagues for a wonderful Lunar New Year.