German financial newspaper Handelsblatt is featuring an article chastising the unprecedented chaos at many European airports in the middle of the tourist season. In making its case, the article also mentions Greece: “Things are going somewhat better in Greece. Passengers report waiting only a few minutes at security checks and baggage claim operate without delays.” The newspaper quote the press office of Athens International Airport who notes the lack of problems.
However, there is reference to a ‘domino effect in the travel chain’ which can lead to problems. This mainly means delays in arrivals from overburdened European airports.
The report recalls that the German firm Fraport undertook the management of regional airports five years ago and has invested 440 million euros in their modernization. “At some airports traffic numbers have reached 2019 levels (…) According to the Association of European Airports AIC, Greece has now become the first country to return to pre-2019 levels in terms of air traffic. This is due to legislation passed by the Greek parliament under pressure from air traffic congestion in 2019. From May to October, it gives bonuses to air traffic controllers for the fewest delays. And it works: According to preliminary data, the timeliness of flight times this June improved by 70% compared to 2019.”
