Athens Airport Announces Measures to Tackle Curbside Traffic Congestion

Athens International Airport (AIA) has announced that it will install an access control scheme at the entrance and exit areas of the airport’s Departures and Arrivals curbs to decongest vehicular traffic.

“In line with our efforts for continuous improvement, and taking into account relevant comments made by airport users, AIA proceeds with a significant upgrade of the curbside areas aiming to decongest vehicular traffic, improve customer experience and respect the environment,” AIA said in an announcement.

The upgrade of the curbside areas will see barriers placed at the entrance and exit areas of the airport’s Departures and Arrivals curbs. According to AIA, the interventions are fully compatible with international best practices, already in place at most major European airports.

When works are completed, the duration of stay within the controlled areas will be set to 10 minutes, aiming to discourage drivers from misusing the area and putting a strain on its limited capacity through prolonged stays. For drivers exceeding the 10-minute limit, a charge will be imposed. AIA said that any collected amounts from charges will be offered to a road safety organization.

Moreover, specific measures will be introduced for the facilitation of travellers with reduced mobility and special needs.

It is noted that the free 20-minute stay for all car users will continue to be in effect at the airport’s short-term parking areas 1 & 2.

Construction works for the new access control scheme will begin in November and are expected to be completed before summer 2023.

Works will proceed gradually, starting from the Departures outer lanes (drop-off area) and will expand at the Arrivals outer lanes (pick-up area). The road servicing parking areas (Short Term 1 & 2), the airport hotel, as well as the through passage of vehicles from South to North for “Attiki Odos” main highway will not be affected by construction works.

“We kindly ask for the public’s collaboration in this effort, both during the construction period, as well as during the launch and implementation of the new measures, in order for the airport to be able to offer the level of service expected at the main gateway of our city and of our country,” AIA said.

The access control scheme will be implemented in accordance with the provisions of Article 29 of Law 4903/22 (Government Gazette A’ 46/5.3.2022), in the airport pick up and drop off areas.