Demand from American travelers for Greece is not only holding firm but continues to grow well into the final months of the year. Passenger traffic data from the United States to Greece – primarily via Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” – confirm the trend, according to a report by Kathimerini.

During the two-month period of October and November 2025, arrivals from the US rose by 21% compared to the same period last year. The increase is striking, underscoring the fact that momentum in the American market does not fade after the summer season. On the contrary, demand remains particularly strong during the fall, a period traditionally considered quieter for Greek tourism.

It is worth noting that this growth exclusively concerns passengers residing abroad and does not include Greek nationals traveling to and from the United States. A key factor behind the rise has been airlines’ decision this year to extend their seasonal schedules, keeping direct air links between Greece and the US operating for longer.

Low-cost carrier Norse, for example, continued flying the Athens-New York route through November and into early December, despite initially planning to operate only until the end of October. United Airlines took a similar approach, maintaining direct service on the same route with a regular schedule until October 25 and then extending flights through November 20, with a slightly adjusted departure time.

By contrast, American Airlines’ nonstop connections between Athens and the United States remain seasonal, with a focus on the summer months. This year, the carrier typically operated the route through September. Currently, the only airlines offering year-round nonstop flights between Greece and the US are Delta and Emirates. While winter schedules are scaled back – with fewer frequencies and less dense services – the route continues uninterrupted, ensuring steady direct access across the Atlantic.

Early indications for the upcoming season are equally encouraging. Based on data available so far, airlines have scheduled approximately 726,000 seats from the US to Greece, with connectivity between the two markets expected to strengthen further.

Among the new routes set to launch is Dallas, which American Airlines plans to introduce in the summer of 2026. At the height of the 2025 tourist season, scheduled nonstop flights from Athens to the United States reached 103 per week, up from 82 last year and 67 in 2023. In total, Greece was connected directly to nine US destinations: New York (JFK and Newark), Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Boston, Washington, Los Angeles, and Charlotte.

Official figures also point to sustained growth in arrivals and spending. Between January and September 2025, arrivals from the United States increased by 5.6% compared to the same period in 2024, reaching approximately 1.27 million American visitors. Over the same period, travel receipts from US tourists rose by 11.7%, reflecting higher average spending per trip.

The Traveler Profile

According to a recent survey conducted by Athens International Airport, American travelers take an average of four trips per year and stay in Greece for around 11 days, three of which are typically spent in Athens. They are also described as “early bookers,” purchasing airline tickets three to four months ahead of departure.

Finally, while there are no direct flights from the United States to Greece’s 14 regional airports, American travelers still rank among the leading international arrivals at these destinations, reaching them via connecting flights. In particular, they show a strong preference for Mykonos, Santorini, and, in recent years, Hania.

This article was previously published in Greek at moneyreview.gr.