Among the most popular destinations for Greeks during the Christmas period, according to AEGEAN, are the following: Prague, Paris, Vienna, London, Zurich, Barcelona and Geneva – from Athens. Of Thessaloniki, the most popular are Paris, Larnaca, Zurich, Dusseldorf, Barcelona and Stuttgart.
To date traffic during the Christmas period is at a quite satisfactory level compared to last year, including due to the fact that Christmas and New Year holidays follow the weekend, allowing passengers to extend their stay at their chosen destination.
This year, AEGEAN has increased the number of available seats for the festive season by approximately 10% for both its domestic and international network compared to the same period in 2022, resulting in increased activity and increased demand during the Christmas period.
Almost two weeks before the Christmas holidays, the occupancy rate of the international network from the AEGEAN base in Athens and Thessaloniki reaches high levels. Depending on the destination, for the Christmas period it ranges from 76% to 80% and even higher. There are now only a few places left.
The situation improves slightly during the New Year period, when occupancy is slightly lower – from 66% to 70%. This makes it a little easier to find seats for those who did not have time to book tickets in advance.
During the Christmas period Peak traffic on the international network occurs on Friday, December 22 and Saturday, December 23. These days, an average occupancy rate of more than 85% from/to Athens and 95% from/to Thessaloniki has already been recorded. Interest rates remain the same on Tuesday 2 January and are already prohibitive for those who have not booked a return ticket.
Greek passengers show a greater preference for traveling abroad than within the country, a trend that was also observed last year. They are looking for both traditional Christmas winter destinations and alternative options outside the country.
For the Christmas period Greeks continue to choose “traditional” destinations such as London, Geneva, Vienna and others. However, their choice also reflects the current trend to travel and discover the beauty of alternative destinations such as Copenhagen, Morocco, Innsbruck, Krakow and even Chisinau.
Preference for foreign destinations is confirmed by booking tours through travel agencies. The main destinations include Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Germany in general, Spain, as well as London. At the same time, far-flung destinations such as Cuba, Brazil and New York top the lists of Greek travellers.
The load on the internal network from the AEGEAN base in Athens and Thessaloniki is lower: the peak of traffic occurs on December 22 and 23, when travelers choose destinations such as Thessaloniki, Alexandroupolis, Ioannina, Heraklion, Chania and others. It is worth noting that during this period a significant number of passengers – students, teachers, military and others – go to spend the Christmas days with their families.
Bookings for traditional Christmas destinations abroad have been ongoing for some time. In addition, you can find last-minute opportunities for various destinations, such as Istanbul in the external network and Corfu in the internal network.
The magic of the holidays begins in the sky. It is worth noting that AEGEAN will also operate charter flights during the holiday period, which have almost 100% occupancy. In particular, charter flights are operated from Athens to Rovaniemi, and from Thessaloniki to Prague, Budapest, Basel, Vienna and Bratislava.
Besides, This year's AEGEAN winter program gives passengers even more options: they can choose between 108 destinations (31 domestic and 77 international) in 45 countries. The AEGEAN network is constantly expanding with new destinations, for example from Athens, Dubai, Innsbruck, Bratislava and Baku, as well as Barcelona from Thessaloniki. In addition, flight frequencies have also increased to several destinations such as Frankfurt, Brussels, Munich, Berlin, Madrid, Copenhagen and others.
More Stories
Mass cancellation of booking: What is happening on kiklids
Romantic guest houses and hotels in Greece on Valentine's Day
Your first holiday in 2025: cottages with fireplaces