Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) Overview

Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) is the largest and busiest airport in Greece, serving as the main gateway to the country’s capital and the wider Attica region. Opened in 2001, ATH is a modern hub designed to handle a high volume of both domestic and international flights. The airport is renowned for its efficient operations, extensive passenger amenities, and excellent connectivity to Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
ATH is located approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) east of central Athens, making it easily accessible from the city center and surrounding areas. The airport is a vital hub for tourism, business, and cargo traffic, connecting millions of passengers each year. With state-of-the-art facilities and a strong emphasis on passenger comfort, Athens International Airport is a key player in European aviation. The airport has received numerous awards for service quality and innovation.

In terms of air traffic, Athens International Airport consistently ranks among the top 20 busiest airports in Europe and is the busiest airport in Greece. Globally, ATH is recognized as a major Mediterranean hub, handling over 25 million passengers annually. The airport’s strategic location makes it a critical transit point between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Top Airlines Operating at ATH

• Aegean Airlines
• Lufthansa
• Emirates
• British Airways
• Turkish Airlines
• Air France
• Wizz Air

Airport Details and Location

• Local Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC +2 (UTC +3 during summer)
• Distance to Athens City Center: Approximately 20 km (12 miles)
• Closest City Centers/Nearby Areas: Spata, Rafina, Markopoulo, Glyfada

Transportation from ATH to Athens City Center

• Metro: Metro Line 3 connects the airport directly to the city center (Syntagma Square) in about 40 minutes.
• Suburban Railway: Proastiakos suburban trains link the airport with central Athens and other regions.
• Bus: Several express bus routes (e.g., X95) operate 24/7 between the airport and key locations in Athens.
• Taxi: Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal, with fixed fares to the city center.
• Car Rental: Major car rental companies operate at the airport.

Terminal Information

• Main Terminal: Handles both Schengen and non-Schengen flights. Most international airlines, such as Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, Turkish Airlines, and Emirates operate from here.
• Satellite Terminal: Used during peak periods for additional Schengen and non-Schengen flights, mainly by Aegean Airlines and Wizz Air.

For more details, visit the official Athens International Airport website.

Air Passenger Rights at Athens International Airport (ATH)

If your flight from Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) is delayed or cancelled, you may have the right to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 (also known as EU 261 or EC 261). This regulation protects passengers departing from any airport within the European Union, or arriving in the EU on a European carrier from a non-EU airport. For flights originating at ATH, you are covered by EU 261 regardless of your airline’s country of registration.

Compensation Amounts Under EU 261:

• For flights up to 1,500 km: up to €250 per passenger
• For flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km: up to €400 per passenger
• For flights over 3,500 km: up to €600 per passenger

Eligibility: Your flight must depart from an EU airport (such as Athens International Airport) or arrive in the EU on an EU-based airline. If your flight is with a non-EU airline and departs from outside the EU, EC 261 does not apply.

What to Do if Your Flight is Disrupted:

• Keep your boarding pass and booking confirmation
• Record the actual time of departure and arrival
• Ask the airline for a written explanation of the delay or cancellation
• Document all communications with the airline

How Voos Can Assist with Your Compensation Claim
If your flight from Athens International Airport was delayed or cancelled, Voos can review your claim and, if eligible, pursue it with the airline on your behalf. Our service is risk-free – fees are only charged if your claim is successful. Depending on your specific case, compensation of up to €600 per person may be possible.

• Gather your flight number and booking details
• Keep your boarding pass or e-ticket
• Document communications with the airline
• Check your eligibility for compensation today

Passengers at Athens International Airport are protected by strong EU air passenger rights. If you believe you are eligible for compensation due to a flight delay, cancellation, or denied boarding, Voos is here to help you claim what you are owed.