In the context of the protective measures in place to safeguard the passengers’, the airport community employees’ and the wider public’s health and safety, Athens International Airport is adhering to the Authorities’ instructions, and to official guidelines. 

We are constantly working closely with the National Public Health Organization (EODY), whilst all instructed measures are diligently implemented. 

Specific instructions have been issued by EODY for passengers and airport employees across Greece to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. These can be found at the EODY site: https://eody.gov.gr/en/covid-19/. 

More specifically, at Athens International Airport, as in all Greek airports, a cluster of measures including, among other, flight monitoring procedures, the presence of doctors and other emergency personnel, as well as the dissemination of information for the maximum possible awareness.

Airport employees and crews are well aware of the warning factors that must be immediately reported to the Airport’s Health Authorities.

Airport employees are constantly updated on the most recent developments regarding COVID-19 and the Authorities instructions for the avoidance of the widespread of COVID-19. 

• Specific measures currently in place:

In accordance with the guidelines of the national health authorities, the meticulous observance of rules for hand washing / sanitizing and for respiratory hygiene, the use of face masks, physical distance keeping, very good cleaning and sanitizing of spaces and surfaces, especially of those frequently hand touched, are the basis for the protection of passengers and employees at Athens International Airport. Passengers travelling on domestic or international flights #athensairport, should bear in mind the following:

• The use of face masks is obligatory to everyone at all indoor airport areas, & at all outdoor areas where congestion is noted. (Joint Ministerial Decision of June 23^rd 2021 -FEK 2671/B).  Please note that, as per the Hellenic National Public Health Organization, face mask filtering respirators with one-way valves should not be used. Children under the age of 6 as well as those with respiratory problems are excluded. Passengers should also be aware that they may be asked to temporarily remove their mask during security and identity check processes.
• The use of face masks is also obligatory during boarding, as well as during the flight. It is recommended to change the face mask every 4 hours or in the case of the face mask being wet or soiled. Make sure you have enough quantity for your entire trip.
• Airport employees are equipped with all personal protection items (masks, gloves, sanitizing liquids), which they are using at all times during their work.
• Hand sanitizer dispensers are available in over 300 spots at the airport, including bathrooms and restrooms, for use by the passengers during the departure and arrival processes.
• Polycarbonic panels are used for additional protection during the provision of services conducted in direct contact with employees (ticket desks, information counters, etc.).
• Keeping distances is mainly a behavioural measure for passengers and airport staff, and a distance of 1 meter should be kept during all phases of the travelling processes on ground. Special signage is placed on floor surfaces alerting the public on this necessity, which is also communicated through airport screens and banners.
• Facilities, machinery, equipment and frequently touched surfaces in the airport areas, are cleaned and sanitized regularly with special materials.
• Airport, airlines and ground handlers’ staff are providing information to passengers with regards to hygiene measures and to the relevant procedures applied in the airport, as well as on board, and supervise the implementation of the necessary measures (physical distancing and face masks).
• Information and guidelines regarding hygiene measures are communicated through a constant flow of public announcements (PAs are regularly made through the airports public announcement system), as well as through visual content on the airport screens and relevant signage in all areas.
• Passengers are encouraged to select e-services options prior to their departure to the airport (web check-in) as well as within the airport areas (web check-in, self check-in, baggage tag printing, drop off baggage, e-parking).
   
• Seating in all waiting areas has been re-arranged, in order to allow for minimum distances to be kept. It is recommended that one seat be left vacant next to each seated passenger. Families or couples travelling together do not have to keep this distance.
• The air-conditioning system in the airport facilities provides fresh, renewed, and top-down non-recycled air, in order to limit the horizontal air circulation. Furthermore, the air is filtered for dust, viruses and bacteria or fungi, through special filters. 
• For the protection of Passengers with Reduced Mobility, all the above measures are meticulously applied, while, in addition, rules for priority boarding, avoiding lengthy stay in closed areas including the airport’s PRM facility, are implemented. PRM wheelchairs and Ambulifts are cleaned and disinfected regularly, before and after their use, in order to secure the maximum possible protection of passengers against Covid-19.
• You must comply with the health protection measures in force at the airport – these measures are constantly communicated through visual material and repeated audio announcements.  

The above measures are subject to the continuous evaluation as to their effectiveness and will be modified as deemed necessary and instructed by the competent State Authorities. 

As per relevant governmental decision, air travel within Greece opened to everyone.
Until 09.08.21 (06:00 a.m) all passengers on domestic flights to island destinations must meet one of the following requirements:

• to have completed the vaccination for COVID-19 at least fourteen (14) days before the scheduled flight and present a vaccination certificate, which in the case of vaccination in Greece, must have been issued through the official website https://www.gov.gr/ipiresies/ugeia-kai-pronoia/koronoios-covid-19/pistopoietiko-emboliasmou. In the case of foreigners from abroad, to have completed the vaccination for COVID-19 at least fourteen days (14) before the scheduled flight and present a vaccination certificate in Greek, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Russian, issued by a public authority in accordance with the relevant legislation. The vaccination certificate must include the name of the person, the type of vaccine given, the number of doses & inoculation dates. The European Digital Covid Certificate is also accepted.
• display a negative molecular test for COVID-19 (PCR)  performed within the last seventy-two (72) hours before the scheduled flight or a negative result of Rapid Antigen test performed within the last forty eight (48) hours before the scheduled flight. Foreigners from abroad can provide a negative test certificate in Greek, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Russian.
• To present proof of recovery from Covid-19, supported by test result (PCR or Rapid Antigen test). The certificate of recovery is issued thirty (30) days after the 1st positive diagnosis & is valid up to 180 days there on. The 1st positive diagnosis must originate either from a public authority in accordance with the relevant legislation or from reference laboratories of the country of origin or transit, public or private, provided that they have been certified by the competent national certification of the country. The certificate is issued either in Greek, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Russian & includes the name of the person as registered in the identity card or passport.

Minors below the age of twelve (12) born after 01.07.2009 are exempted from the above obligation. Minors from the age of twelve (12) up to seventeen (17) may present alternatively to the above a negative self-diagnostic test result (Self-Test) conducted up to 24 hours before the scheduled flight, properly documented. (self-test.pdf self-testing.gov.gr)

The negative diagnostic test by the method of PCR and Rapid test is proved by the demonstration of a relevant certificate in hard or soft copy. If these tests have been performed abroad and remain valid at the time of boarding the aircraft, the relevant certificates are accepted under the same conditions that the passengers were accepted to enter Greece.

The above requirements are not applicable on  the return flights from Greek island airports to the mainland.

Airline operators shall ensure that passengers meet the requirements of traveling according to relevant measures in effect at destination at the time of travelling. Detailed contact information of airlines is provided in our website at the following link: https://www.aia.gr/traveler/travellers-info/airlines.

You may contact the Greek General Secretariat for Civil Protection at 213 – 15 10 100 or send an email to generalsecretary@civilprotection.gr / generalsecretary@gscp.gr.

As per the joint Ministerial decision (ΦΕΚ:2602/28 Ιουνίου2020/Δ1α/ΓΠ.οικ.40383) issued by the Hellenic Republic, until 05.08.21 all passengers travelling on international flights to Greece are required to fill in and electronically submit the compulsory Passenger Locator Form (PLF) before entering the country. Families may submit a joint e-PLF form. The Form can be found here: https://travel.gov.gr/#/

Travellers will receive a confirmation e-mail & a PLF unique Quick Response (QR) code upon submission of the PLF, which are compulsory travel documents that have to be presented during boarding. Depending on their QR code/confirmation visitors will be subject to rapid test upon arrival. 

Airlines are required, prior to accepting passengers for boarding, to check the confirmation receipt of PLF submission & the response e-mail with a PLF QR code.

For further information or questions regarding the completion & operation of the form, you may contact the PLF Help Desk of travel.gov.gr at telephone 0030 215 560 5151 (Mon to Fri 08:00-20:00) or email at generalsecretary@civilprotection.gr  /  generalsecretary@gscp.gr.

Additionally, until 05.08.21, all passengers regardless of nationality must meet one of the following conditions:

• to have completed the vaccination for COVID-19 at least fourteen days (14) before the scheduled arrival and present a vaccination certificate in Greek, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Russian, issued by a public authority in accordance with the relevant legislation. The vaccination certificate must include the name of the person, the type of vaccine given, the number of doses & inoculation dates.
• display a negative molecular test result for COVID-19 (PCR)  performed within the last seventy-two (72) hours before the scheduled arrival or a negative Rapid Antigen test result performed up to 48 hours before the scheduled flight. The test result must be issued by  a certified diagnostic center in Greek, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Russian and must include the name of the person as registered in the passport.
• To present proof of recovery from Covid-19, supported by test result (PCR or Rapid Antigen test). The certificate of recovery is issued thirty (30) days after the 1st positive diagnosis & is valid up to 180 days there on. The 1st positive diagnosis must originate either from a public authority in accordance with the relevant legislation or from reference laboratories of the country of origin or transit, public or private, provided that they have been certified by the competent national certification of the country. The certificate is issued either in Greek, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Russian & includes the name of the person as registered in the identity card or passport.
• to present their EU digital Covid certificate, issued according to EU requirements in digital or paper form. This should include information regarding vaccination, or the last result of Covid-19 test or proof of recovery from Covid-19 within the accepted time frame.

As of 30.06.21, permanent residents of the Russian Federation are allowed to enter in Greece under the condition that:

• they display a negative molecular test result for COVID-19 (PCR)  performed within the last seventy-two (72) hours before the scheduled arrival, or a negative Rapid Antigen test result performed up to 48 hours before the scheduled flight, and
• they are diagnosed negative to a mandatory molecular test for COVID-19 (PCR) or a negative Rapid Antigen test performed upon arrival. Upon being tested, the passengers remain at the arrival gate awaiting the result of the test.

The above obligations include children over twelve (12) years old.

All passengers will be subject to random obligatory Covid-19 tests upon arrival. If found positive, a ten (10) day quarantine under supervision is required either at home or at a designated temporary residence assigned by the appropriate authorities. Passengers who have completed the vaccination for COVID-19 at least fourteen days (14) before the scheduled flight, if found positive, need to stay in quarantine under supervision for seven (7) days , either at home or at a designated temporary residence assigned by the appropriate authorities. All above passengers are required to undertake a Molecular test (PCR) for Covid-19 on the last day of their quarantine.

For further information or questions regarding the procedure, you may contact the Greek General Secretariat for Civil Protection at 213 – 15 10 100 or email at generalsecretary@civilprotection.gr  /  generalsecretary@gscp.gr.

Airlines must check whether passengers have the necessary documents before boarding, as its absence obliges the airline not to embark the passenger.

Airline operators shall ensure that passengers are duly informed before boarding and that they meet the requirements of traveling according to relevant measures in effect at the destination country at the time of travelling otherwise they must deny boarding as per the Greek government's legislative acts.  For further information you may contact your airline. Detailed contact information of airlines is provided in our website at the following link: https://www.aia.gr/traveler/travellers-info/airlines/.

As the completion of local Passenger Locator Form is compulsory before entering  other countries, it is highly recommended to contact your airline in order to confirm whether the respective Passenger Locator Form of your destination country should be completed. Alternatively, for this matter you may contact the embassy/consulate of the destination country in Greece.

Information about the Covid-19, by the National Public Health Organization (EODY), can be found here: https://eody.gov.gr/en/covid-19/

In accordance with the Greek government's decisions there is a ban of entry applying to all Third country nationals until 05.08.21, as announced by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority. Certain exemptions are also applicable as follows:

Exemptions apply for permanent residents of Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Australia, Bahrain, Belarus Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, China, Israel, Japan, Jordan Kuwait, Lebanon, Kosovo, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, the Russian Federation, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Ukraine, Vatican.  In order to prove their place of residence, third country nationals may present their residence permit, work permit, identity card, driving license or other documents, provided that it states place of residence.

Also exempted from the restrictions are:

• EU member states nationals & the Schengen agreement, including their spouses or persons with whom they have a cohabitation agreement, as well as their minor children.
• Medical & nursing staff, researchers & health professionals if they demonstrate at the points of entry evidence of their professional status and provided that their entry into the country  relates to the exercise of their duties.
• Long—term residents or EU member states or Schengen agreement and 3rd country nationals holding a residence permit or in EU member state or Schengen agreement.
• Members of government delegations
• Members of diplomatic delegations or consulate authorities & delegations, members of international & European organizations, members of humanitarian organizations performing their duties, military &  security forces officials & of general secretariat of civil protection.
• Personnel employed in the transport section,  including seamen, aircraft crews and the crews and technical personnel of the leased aircraft firefighting equipment, lorry drivers & the absolutely necessary support staff for the transport of goods.
• Transit passengers
• Students
• Persons caring for the elderly & people with disability (disabled)
• Seasonal workers in the field of agriculture

A completed electronic Passenger Locator Form (e-PLF) is compulsory for all inbound passengers. Families may submit a joint e-PLF form. Travellers will receive a confirmation email upon submission of the e-PLF form & a PLF unique Quick Response (QR) code upon submission of the PLF, which are compulsory travel documents that have to be presented during boarding. 

Additionally, until 05.08.21, all passengers regardless of nationality must meet one of the following conditions:

• to have completed the vaccination for COVID-19 at least fourteen days (14) before the scheduled arrival and present a vaccination certificate in Greek, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Russian, issued by a public authority in accordance with the relevant legislation. The vaccination certificate must include the name of the person, the type of vaccine given, the number of doses & inoculation dates.
• display a negative molecular test result for COVID-19 (PCR)  performed within the last seventy-two (72) hours before the scheduled arrival or a negative Rapid Antigen test result performed up to 48 hours before the scheduled flight. The test result must be issued by  a certified diagnostic center in Greek, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Russian and must include the name of the person as registered in the passport.
• To present proof of recovery from Covid-19, supported by test result (PCR or Rapid Antigen test). The certificate of recovery is issued thirty (30) days after the 1st positive diagnosis & is valid up to 180 days there on. The 1st positive diagnosis must originate either from a public authority in accordance with the relevant legislation or from reference laboratories of the country of origin or transit, public or private, provided that they have been certified by the competent national certification of the country. The certificate is issued either in Greek, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian or Russian & includes the name of the person as registered in the identity card or passport.
• to present their EU digital Covid certificate, issued according to EU requirements in digital or paper form. This should include information regarding vaccination, or the last result of Covid test or proof of recovery from Covid within the accepted time frame.

• they display a negative molecular test result for COVID-19 (PCR) performed within the last seventy-two (72) hours before the scheduled arrival or a negative Rapid Antigen test result performed up to 48 hours before the scheduled flight, and
• they are diagnosed negative to a mandatory molecular test for COVID-19 (PCR) or a negative Rapid Antigen test performed upon arrival. Upon being tested, the passengers remain at the arrival gate awaiting the result of the test.

The above obligations include children over twelve  (12) years old.

All passengers will be subject to random obligatory Covid-19 tests upon arrival. If found positive, a ten (10) day quarantine under supervision is required either at home or at a designated temporary residence assigned by the appropriate authorities. Passengers who have completed the vaccination for COVID-19 at least fourteen days (14) before the scheduled flight, if found positive, need to stay in quarantine under supervision for seven (7) days , either at home or at a designated temporary residence assigned by the appropriate authorities. All above passengers are required to undertake a Molecular test (PCR) for Covid-19 on the last day of their quarantine.

Third country nationals subject to prohibition herein have the right to submit request to the Greek consular authority of their place of residence or stay for their exceptional entry in the country for business or personal reasons.

For further information or questions regarding the procedure, you may contact the Greek General Secretariat for Civil Protection at 213 – 15 10 100, or send an email to generalsecretary@civilprotection.gr/  generalsecretary@gscp.gr.

Airline operators shall ensure that passengers are duly informed before boarding and that they meet the requirements of traveling according to relevant measures in effect at the destination country at the time of travelling, otherwise they must deny boarding as per the Greek government's legislative acts. For further information you may contact your airline. Detailed contact information of airlines is provided in our website at the following link: https://www.aia.gr/traveler/travellers-info/airlines/

It is highly advisable that passengers get informed on the restrictions announced by their country of origin on their return from Greece. Some countries require a test conducted some hours prior arrival, whilst others have issued restrictions for arriving passengers.

Governmental decisions regarding restrictions or requirements for the travelling public are updated at regular intervals and ad-hoc depending on the pandemic situation.

Transit passengers, including those from restricted origins, transferring in Athens from international to international flight, are not required to be tested against Covid-19, nor to display a negative molecular test result (PCR) or vaccination certificate upon arrival in Athens. Furthrmore, they are not required to submit the Greek Passenger Locator Form (e-PLF).

For further information you may  contact your airline or the Greek General Secretariat for Civil Protection at 213 – 15 10 100 or email at generalsecretary@civilprotection.gr / generalsecretary@gscp.gr.

For information regarding the minimum connecting time between flights, you need to contact the airlines involved. Detailed contact information of airlines is provided in our website at the following link: https://www.aia.gr/traveler/travellers-info/airlines/.

Passengers can travel from/to the airport 24 hours a day.

Escorts are allowed at any time of the day or night, provided that they do not exceed the maximum number of passengers allowed when traveling in private vehicles or taxis.

For additional information regarding the above, you may call the Consumers’ Line at 4digit telephone number 1520, the Hellenic Police , or  the Greek General Secretariat for Civil Protection at 213 – 15 10 100 or send an email at generalsecretary@civilprotection.gr / generalsecretary@gscp.gr.

Protective measures in effect due to Covid-19 may vary depending on the destination. It is highly recommended to contact the airline you are going to travel with, as airline operators have to ensure that passengers are duly informed before boarding and that they meet the requirements of traveling according to relevant measures in effect at the destination country at the time of travelling. Detailed contact information of airlines is provided in our website at the following link: https://www.aia.gr/traveler/travellers-info/airlines/

Additionally, you could visit the destination airport website for Covid-19 related info or contact the Embassy/Consulate of the country you are going to visit. Latest and up-to-date information about travel measures and entry requirements per country, during the COVID-19 pandemic, is available in the IATA Timatic “COVID-19 Travel Regulations Map”.

• The cleaning services have been intensified across the airport facilities.
• The routine cleaning materials have been replaced with fast acting disinfectants.
• Cleaning and sanitizing of frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles, elevator buttons, handrails, escalators etc., has been intensified.
• In the event of an emergency involving a virus suspicious case, special disinfection or spraying is carried out, in accordance with the Health Authorities instructions.

kindly be advised of the availability to perform diagnostic test for SARS-COV-2 (Covid-19) at Athens airport, using both methods, Molecular & Rapid Antigen test, at the specially configured testing points of Athens Medical Center. However, the testing points at the airport should be used as a last resort due to unpredictability of traffic flows and possible increased waiting times.

• Molecular tests for Covid-19 (PCR) are conducted daily between 07:00 & 23:00 at the specially configured testing point of Athens Medical Center located on the departures level, across check-in counter 150. After 23:00 & until 07:00 the tests are conducted at the testing point on the arrivals level.
• RAPID Antigen tests for Covid-19 are conducted daily on a 24 hour basis at the specially configured testing point of Athens Medical Center on the “Arrivals” level, between exits 2 and 3.

You may proceed for testing without an appointment.

Due to increased attendance, longer waiting times might be expected thus, passengers are kindly requested to timely attend the testing point at the airport for their molecular (PCR) or Rapid-antigen test. As far as  Rapid tests are concerned, it is highly recommended to plan for at least 3 hours available time prior to your departure. 

Payment options available at the testing points include the use of POS machine accepting debit / credit card or cash.

Registration & payment procedure for the Molecular(PCR) test can be also accomplished electronically through the platform https://payments.iatriko.gr/. Details and important information are included in the section “Frequently Asked Questions” of the platform.

Test results for molecular (PCR) test will be delivered to you, by email, within approximately 24 hours. Response time varies according to sampling time or volume of tests.

Test results for rapid (Antigen) test are available by email ,15-20 minutes after completion of sampling. For any further information, please contact Athens Medical Center representatives at airport@iatriko.gr.

Instant hand sanitizers have been installed in all toilets, in all the departure gates, and in more than 300 locations within the terminals.

In order to ensure coordinated effort to maintain business continuity while preventing the spread of the disease, AIA has established a COVID-19 Response Plan that maps contingencies for sustaining a minimum level of service.  

The Response Plan is complemented by a series of actions decided upon by the Emergency Response Team that has been set up for the specific purpose.  Actions are decided upon daily developments, as the situation unfolds.  

According to a recent EU announcement, sanitizing/disinfectant hand gels are exempted from the liquids and gels regulation, and their transportation in hand luggage is allowed in containers of over 100 ml.

The Health Check Authority takes control, for carrying out the preliminary health check and advises of further actions as per EODY guidelines. Should a transfer to a reference hospital be deemed necessary, this is effected by a properly equipped EKAV ambulance. 

Due care is taken for Passengers in proximity to the suspect cases. Cases of certain suspicion are hosted inside the dedicated Airport quarantine facility, in accordance with the decision of the Health Check Authority and until further transfer to a reference Hospital. 

The Health Check Authority takes control, carries out the preliminary health check and advises of further actions as per EODY guidelines. 

EODY takes control and provides instructions on the handling of such cases. In principle, seriously infected countries are prohibited from air transportation (flights) to/from Greek airports. Relevant announcements are made by the pertinent Authorities.  

Passengers must contact EODY in the four (4) digit line 1135 for further advice, otherwise the Airline or the ground handler employees must be notified for further action and notification to the Airport Health Authority. 

Τhe Sofitel Athens Airport hotel is open again, as of 01/07/20. For more information please click here.

There are no restrictions imposed for cargo transportation so far.

Access of shippers, consignees and Customs Brokers to Airport Customs’ s premises (Building 27) is prohibited. 

All Customs formalities will be effected online and, whenever the need arises, documents will be exchanged at a front desk at the entrance of B27. Working hours remain unchanged.   

Various Cafes/Snack Bars are available throughout the Terminal Building.

The shops at the Retail Park of the airport are back in normal operation.

Smoking in the Terminal Building is not allowed, and the designated smoking lounges are currently closed due to COVID-19 prevention measures. 

All airlines’ CIP lounges operate daily according to the flight schedule. For further information kindly contact your airline. 

Ιf you wish to cancel your reservation and get a refund, please dial +30 210 3534260. 

The Airport Call Centre operates on a 24hr basis, tel. +30 210-3530000. Once in the Terminal areas, you may visit our Airport Information desks, located on the Arrivals & Departures Levels, operating on a 24hr basis. Please note, that the flight schedule has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 situation. For any information regarding the schedule of the airlines and/or specific flights, you should contact your airline. 

All public means of transport (Bus, Metro, Suburban Rail and regional buses) are in operation at present. 

More information regarding specific routes is available through the following links:

• Bus services: http://www.oasa.gr/
• Metro services: http://stasy.gr/index.php?id=1&no_cache=1&L=1
• Suburban Rail Services: https://tickets.trainose.gr/dromologia/
• Regional buses: For schedule details a interested parties may call either the Airport Call Center 210 3530000 or at KTEL Rafina master station at 22940 23440