Athens, Kalamata, Crete: Airport investments redefining Greece’s connectivity
Greece is forging ahead with a new wave of airport infrastructure investments, with Athens at the center of the transformation, strengthening the country’s position as an international travel and investment destination.
The Athens International Airport (AIA), which started operating in 2001, is doubling its space in a 1.3-billion-euro investment. The national action plan also includes the construction of a new airport in Crete and the upgrade of Kalamata, in a bid to handle national passenger numbers growing at a faster-than-expected pace.
Improved access to Greece is a key issue not only for those visiting the country but also for foreign property owners and Golden Visa holders. Better connectivity to specific areas increases the value and liquidity of real estate assets, while also helping owners make the most of their stays in their Greek homes.
Athens – 1.3-billion-euro expansion
The Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” is preparing to almost double its operational footprint through a 1.3-billion-euro expansion program to commence next year.
Once fully implemented, the airport’s annual capacity will rise to 40 million passengers by 2032. This compares with passenger traffic of 31.9 million in 2024, a number representing a 13% year-on-year increase, well above previous forecasts.
The first phase of the investment plan focuses on the expansion of both the main and satellite terminal buildings, delivering a 68% increase in total terminal space, equivalent to approximately 148,000 square meters. These upgrades include additional passenger processing areas, expanded boarding lounges, and new aircraft parking stands.
Athens remains a popular choice for Golden Visa applicants looking to acquire real estate. The investment threshold for non-EU nationals seeking the Greek residence permit is 800,000 euros. However, it drops to 250,000 euros for applicants who invest in an industrial building being converted into residential units.
Kalamata: A growing regional hub
In the south of the Peloponnese, Kalamata Airport is also entering a new phase of development. From January 2026, its management will pass to Fraport Greece in a joint venture with Delta Airport Investments (Kopelouzos Group) and Pileas S.A. (Konstantarakopoulos Group).
Passenger traffic at the airport has already taken off, rising 8.6% to 380,000 passengers in 2025. Planned investments at the airport will exceed 75 million euros and will include a new 9,000 sq. m. terminal (a tripling of capacity) and the repurposing of the existing terminal for auxiliary uses. Completion is targeted for 2028 though some upgrades will be delivered earlier. Fraport has described Kalamata as a “strategic hub,” forecasting a strong expansion in international air connections over the coming years.
This sunny southern part of Greece is also drawing significant interest from Golden Visa applicants. The property investment limit here stands at 400,000 euros in a city that offers a high standard of living and is a 2.5 hour drive from Athens on the national highway.
Crete: New Kastelli airport set for 2027
Beyond the mainland, one of the country’s most significant regional projects is the new Heraklion International Airport at Kastelli, Crete.
The project is now around 60% complete, with full delivery targeted for 2027. The 1.5-billion-euro development, led by GEK TERNA, will replace the aging Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, which is operating well beyond its design limits.
Once operational, the new airport is expected to significantly boost Crete’s connectivity and handle growing tourism flows
Please contact our team for any inquiries about the Greek Golden Visa and how you can start your process.
