Thessaloniki International Airport

Thessaloniki International Airport
Kayhan ERTUGRUL · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Thessaloniki International Airport
IATA	SKG
ICAO	LGTS
City	Thessaloniki
Country	Greece

Thessaloniki International Airport is a major airport located in Thessaloniki, Greece, serving as a key gateway to Southeastern Europe and the Balkans. The airport is situated about 13 kilometers southeast of Thessaloniki city center and is operated by Fraport Greece, a joint venture between Fraport and Copelouzos Group. Thessaloniki International Airport is a significant hub for Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air, and it also serves as a base for Ryanair and Ellinair. The airport is named after Alexander the Great, the ancient Macedonian king who was born in Pella, Greece.

● Overview

Thessaloniki International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Greece, handling millions of passengers every year. The airport serves as a major hub for Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air, offering flights to numerous destinations in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Thessaloniki International Airport is also a popular destination for low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, which operate flights to various cities in Europe. The airport is equipped with modern facilities, including a new terminal building that was inaugurated in 2019, featuring a design inspired by the ancient Macedonian architecture of Vergina and Dion, Greece. The airport's proximity to the Thessaloniki city center and the Port of Thessaloniki makes it an attractive option for passengers traveling to and from Northern Greece and the Balkans, including cities like Skopje, Sofia, and Belgrade.

● History

Thessaloniki International Airport has a long history dating back to the 1930s, when it was first established as a small airfield serving the city of Thessaloniki. During World War II, the airport was used by the Royal Air Force and the United States Army Air Forces as a base for military operations in the Mediterranean. After the war, the airport was expanded and modernized, with the construction of a new terminal building and the installation of modern navigation and communication systems. In the 1990s, the airport underwent significant renovations, including the expansion of the terminal building and the construction of a new runway. The airport has since become a major hub for Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air, and it has also attracted several low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, which operate flights to cities like London, Paris, and Rome. The airport's history is closely tied to the development of Thessaloniki as a major city in Northern Greece, with the airport playing a key role in the city's economic growth and tourism industry, including the Thessaloniki International Film Festival and the Demetria Festival.

● Facilities

Thessaloniki International Airport features a modern terminal building that was inaugurated in 2019, offering a range of facilities and services to passengers. The terminal building is equipped with 14 gates, 13 of which are equipped with jet bridges, and features a design inspired by the ancient Macedonian architecture of Vergina and Dion, Greece. The airport also features a range of shops, restaurants, and cafes, including duty-free shops and currency exchange offices. Passengers can also access Wi-Fi and ATM services throughout the terminal building. The airport is also equipped with modern security systems, including X-ray machines and metal detectors, to ensure the safety and security of passengers. The airport's facilities are designed to meet the needs of passengers traveling to and from Thessaloniki and the surrounding region, including the Chalkidiki peninsula and the Mount Olympus national park.

● Airlines and Destinations

Thessaloniki International Airport is served by a range of airlines, including Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, Ryanair, and Wizz Air. The airport offers flights to numerous destinations in Europe, Asia, and Africa, including Athens, London, Paris, Rome, Istanbul, and Tel Aviv. The airport is also a popular destination for charter flights and seasonal flights, with many airlines operating flights to Thessaloniki during the summer months. Some of the popular destinations served by the airport include Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and Corfu, as well as cities like Sofia, Skopje, and Belgrade. The airport's airline partners include Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Austrian Airlines, which offer flights to cities like Frankfurt, Vienna, and Zurich.

● Statistics

Thessaloniki International Airport handles millions of passengers every year, with the airport experiencing significant growth in recent years. The airport's passenger traffic has been increasing steadily, with the airport handling over 6 million passengers in 2020. The airport's cargo traffic has also been increasing, with the airport handling over 10,000 tons of cargo in 2020. The airport's statistics are closely tied to the development of Thessaloniki as a major city in Northern Greece, with the airport playing a key role in the city's economic growth and tourism industry. The airport's growth is also driven by the increasing demand for air travel in the region, with the airport serving as a major hub for Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air.

● Ground Transportation

Thessaloniki International Airport is well-connected to the city of Thessaloniki and the surrounding region, with a range of ground transportation options available to passengers. The airport is served by bus and taxi services, which operate regularly to and from the city center. The airport is also connected to the Thessaloniki Metro system, which provides a convenient and efficient way to travel to and from the city center. Passengers can also rent cars or book private transfers to and from the airport. The airport's ground transportation options are designed to meet the needs of passengers traveling to and from Thessaloniki and the surrounding region, including the Chalkidiki peninsula and the Mount Olympus national park. The airport is also close to the Port of Thessaloniki, which offers ferry services to destinations like Lesbos and Chios.