Athens Airport Terminals

Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), located about 20 kilometers east of the city center, is the main gateway to Greece. Opened in 2001 ahead of the 2004 Olympic Games, the airport was designed to handle increasing passenger traffic and modernize Greece’s aviation infrastructure. Since then, it has grown into a major hub, serving over 26 million passengers annually with plans to expand capacity to 40 million by 2032 through a significant redesign and enlargement program. The airport combines contemporary architecture with Athenian cultural elements, highlighted by its unique "oculus" garden spaces in the terminals that create memorable moments for travelers.

ATH consists of two primary terminal buildings: the Main Terminal and the Satellite Terminal, connected by underground and above-ground walkways, enabling smooth transfers.

Main Terminal

History and Functionality

The Main Terminal is the airport’s largest and busiest building, serving both non-Schengen (international) and intra-Schengen (European) flights. Designed originally by Hochtief and continuously upgraded, it includes three levels structured to separate arrivals, departures, and dining options efficiently.

Layout and Levels

-Ground Level: This is the arrivals area, with four main exits connecting to ground transportation such as taxis, limousines, shuttle buses to long-term parking, and city buses. Here travelers find essential services like car rental desks, currency exchange, ATMs, and help desks.

-First Level (Departures): This level features the check-in areas and boarding gates A1 to A13 and B19 to B31. The terminal is divided into two halls:

• Hall A manages non-Schengen international flights to non-European countries.
• Hall B handles Schengen flights and domestic Greek services.

Both halls offer check-in counters, meeting points, and are linked by escalators and elevators to public transit options, including the metro and suburban train stations, and to parking areas.

-Upper Level: Houses a vibrant food court with a broad selection of restaurants and bars suitable for all tastes and schedules.

Services and Amenities

The Main Terminal is well-equipped with services to enhance the passenger experience:

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.
• Currency exchange bureaus and ATMs.
• Information and tourist assistance desks.
• Mail and courier services.
• Children’s play areas.
• First aid stations.
• Lost property office.
• Meeting points and executive services.
• Multiple café and dining options.

Lounges

• Goldair CIP Lounge: Located opposite Gate A11 (non-Schengen), offering premium food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and quiet spaces.
• Aegean Business Lounge: Near Gate A13, open from early morning to late night with a broad array of amenities.
• Skyserv Aristotle Onassis Lounge: In the Extra-Schengen area, close to Gate A9, featuring snacks, Wi-Fi, and printing facilities.

Tips for Main Terminal Visitors

• Arrive early during peak hours, as distances between check-in and gates can be up to 5 minutes walking.
• Use the underground moving walkways for quick transfers between levels.
• Explore the food court upstairs for last-minute authentic Greek snacks and international cuisine.
• Check signage carefully to identify the correct hall based on your flight type (Schengen vs. non-Schengen).

Satellite Terminal

Purpose and Capacity

The Satellite Terminal, situated just south of the Main Terminal, is primarily dedicated to Schengen flights and operates mainly during the high tourist season when passenger numbers increase, with a handling capacity of up to 6 million passengers per year.

Structure and Levels

• Ground Level: Exclusively for arrivals.
• First Level: Departures area with gates A30 to A39.

Connectivity

Passengers transfer between the Main Terminal and the Satellite Terminal via:

• An underground corridor with moving walkways for convenience.
• An above-ground walkway offering scenic views of the airport apron.

Services Available

The Satellite Terminal offers a range of passenger services including:

• Free Wi-Fi.
• ATMs and currency exchange.
• Children’s entertainment areas.
• First aid service.
• Internet kiosks and banks.
• Mail and courier facilities.
• Executive services for business travelers.

Lounges

• Goldair Handling CIP Lounge: Opposite Gate B13, with snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and multimedia.
• Lufthansa Business Lounge: Near Gate B12, offering premium food and beverages.
• Skyserv Melina Merkouri Lounge: Close to Gate B11, featuring printing and telecommunication services.
• Aegean Business Lounge: Near Gate B13, open from early morning to late evening and notably includes a smoking area.

Tips for Satellite Terminal Travelers

• • Allow extra time for walking between gates as distances can be considerable.
  • Use lounge access to relax, especially during busy seasons when the terminal is crowded.
  • Keep an eye on flight announcements as gates tend to cluster in a short corridor.
  • Utilize children’s play areas if traveling with young ones for a more comfortable wait.

Transfer between terminals

The Satellite Terminal is directly connected to the Main Terminal via an underground corridor and it is planned to be extended in a modular approach.