
The possibility of Emirates opening a new Dubai – Thessaloniki – New York flight was discussed by Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias with the Minister of Economy of the United Arab Emirates Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, in the context of TIF.
The request of the Minister of Tourism to the Minister of Economy of the UAE is not out of the blue. For several months now, preparations have been made to highlight the benefits of the inclusion of such a flight.
The development of the cruise tourism, the upgrading of the airport and the port are helping in this, as is the fact that during Mr. Kikilia’s recent visits to Bucharest and Belgrade, interest was expressed by airlines to use Thessaloniki as a shorter and alternative to Istanbul hub for flights of citizens of these countries to the USA.
At the same time, such a flight would also help the export sector, as noted by market players.
“I discussed with the Minister of Economy of the United Arab Emirates, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, the possibility of Emirates opening a new Dubai-Thessaloniki-New York flight. The profits will be multiple for the city’s economy and its role in the Balkans,” said Mr. Kikilias in a tweet.


Latest News

Istanbul Earthquake – Greek Prof. Concerned Major Quake Yet to Strike
Responding to concerns over whether a potential major quake in Istanbul could affect Greece, Papazachos was reassuring: “The fault extends as far as Lemnos and the Northern Sporades, but it doesn’t rupture all at once. An earthquake in Istanbul doesn’t have the capacity to directly affect Greek territory.”

Greece 4th Most Popular Summer Destination for Europeans
Southern Europe remains the top choice for Europeans at 41%, though down 8% from last year, likely due to rising temperatures and climate concerns.

Easter Sales Performance and the Source of €4–5 Million in Losses
Easter retail sales were relatively weak this year, with the only "real winners" being the livestock farmers who had lambs to sell.

Hotel Foreclosures Continue to Plague Greece’s Islands
A surge in hotel foreclosures across Greece’s islands threatens small tourism businesses, despite booming visitor numbers and record-breaking travel in 2024.

Athens Launches Task Force to Safeguard Historic City Center
The new municipal unit will ensure compliance to zoning laws, curb noise, and address tourist rental issues starting from the Plaka district.

WTTC: Travel & Tourism to Create 4.5M New Jobs in EU by 2035
This year, international visitor spending is set to reach 573 billion euros, up by more than 11% year-on-year

IMF: US Tariffs Shake Global Economy, Outlook Downbeat
IMF slashes global growth forecast to 2.8% as U.S. tariffs create uncertainty and ‘negative supply shock

First Step Towards New Audiovisual Industry Hub in Drama
The project is set to contribute to the further development of Greece’s film industry and establish Drama as an audiovisual hub in the region

Airbnb Greece – Initial CoS Ruling Deems Tax Circular Unlawful
The case reached the Council of State following annulment applications filed by the Panhellenic Federation of Property Owners (POMIDA)

Mitsotakis Unveils €1 Billion Plan for Housing, Pensioners, Public investments
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced a new set of economic support measures, worth 1 billion euros, aiming to provide financial relief to citizens.