The war in the Middle East is raging and air fares are rising under the pressure of increased fuel costs, while Greece is on the threshold of the tourist season.
So far, there have been no mass cancellations or a substantial reduction in scheduled seats on incoming flights to Greece. However, the first signs of restraint have already appeared. In the main markets of Greek tourism, there is a decline in airline seat reservations at the end of February compared to the corresponding period in 2025, a period that coincides with the first days of the crisis.
Britain experienced the largest drop, at 13.7%, followed by Germany with a decrease of 13.5%, according to the latest Institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (INSETE) data. The US, among the most important markets, recorded the third biggest decline in reservations for air seats to Greece at 9.5%.
Most routes to and from Athens have already restarted ahead of summer by US air carriers, in several cases earlier than last year, while the schedule of direct connections will be completed in April.
United, Delta and American Airlines generally reported increased demand and even daily sales records in the first quarter of the year. Many Americans have the incomes that allow them to absorb the increased cost of tickets.
Airline reservations for Greece and France fell by 5.9% at the end of February. However, the picture is different in the Netherlands and Italy, as they are increasing from last year: The increase was 6.2% and 3.4% respectively.
The offered capacity of airlines for the summer season is also developing positively. However, the scheduling of seats is usually done several months in advance and was completed well before the war broke out in the Middle East. For April, 2.31 million seats are forecast for incoming flights, up 5% year-on-year; for May 3.74 million, up 7.1%; for June 4.77 million (+5.9%); for July 5.58 million (+7.2%); and for August 5.62 million (+6.6%).
Finally, Greece’s largest airport (Athens International), in its recent estimates for the entire financial year of 2026, maintained its previous forecasts, noting that the impact so far remains limited and has not caused any change of note.