Athens Airport Revamps Schengen / Non-Schengen Areas

Upgraded Boarding Card control points.

Athens International Airport (AIA) recently presented its new face following a massive revamp to enhance the passenger experience.

Focusing on functionality, services, and modern design, AIA has totally transformed its non-Schengen (9,000 m2) and Schengen (15,000 m2) areas.

“The projects were designed to respond to the latest trends in the travelling process and experience, and offers passengers redesigned areas, enhanced comfort, and plenty of options,” the management of AIA said in an announcment.

Non-Schengen area: Linear centralized security control – Relaxation area.

The upgrade in Athens Airport includes centralized security filters; larger capacity in the Boarding Card Control area; enhanced security control throughput by 20 percent; faster transfer processes; new retail units and products; single open areas for shopping, dining, and seating; an 11,000 m2 commercial area; 2,000 m2 additional seating; and 126 shops (64 retail, 34 F&B, 28 services).

Centralized Security

The first major development is the installation of two centralized security filter points, i.e. at the entrances of the Schengen area (boarding card control – security) and of the non-Schengen area (passports – security).

The new centralized filters seperate operational processes from passenger recreation in the airport. Passengers can now, comfortably and stress-free, explore and walk through the new upgraded Schengen and non-Schengen areas right after having passed through the centralized security controls.

After the checks: «Agora (Market) – Gallery / Street – Square»

Non-Schengen area: Market.

Having left behind the centralized security filters, Schengen and non-Schengen passengers then enter the new areas and find a large variety of products that respond to the latest trends and expectations of Greek and international passengers.

“The airport’s shopping centre reflects a new identity and an enhanced sense of ‘Greekness’, aiming to offer a special and comfortable experience through cleverly designed routings that invite passengers to explore them,” according to AIA’s management.

Non-Schengen area

Inspired by classical Greece, in the non – Schengen area, 3 separate commercial zones were created on the basis of a walkthrough format that starts from the “Agora” (Market). This routing resembles Athens high-street shops as passengers cross the “Gallery”, and this “city walk” ends at the “Square” (focal point for departure gates) that combines shopping, food & beverage, and a sense of relaxation before flight.

Schengen area

Schengen area: Square.

The newly completed Schengen area is highlighted by a plethora of attractive shopping options, images and experiences. As in a “walk in modern Athens”, passengers begin from the “Market”, cross the busy “Street”, walk around the “Greek Neighbourhood”, and finally arrive to the “Square”, where they can explore gastronomy, highlighted by a variety of Greek tastes, adding a special flavour to their stay at the airport.