Poland Joins Greece to Celebrate Stronger Air Ties As LOT Launches Direct Connection To Thessaloniki, Paving The Way For Increased Visitor Traffic And Economic Cooperation In The Tourism Sector

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Poland and Greece marked a major step forward in tourism collaboration with the launch of the first direct LOT Polish Airlines flight from Warsaw to Thessaloniki on June 17, ushering in a new era of seamless air connectivity between the two nations. This strategic route, developed through coordinated efforts by tourism authorities, aims to enhance year-round accessibility, attract high-value visitors from Central Europe, and position Thessaloniki as a dynamic city break destination. With daily summer operations and winter continuity, the new connection supports Greece’s sustainable tourism growth model while tapping into Poland’s rising demand for culturally rich, Mediterranean getaways.

Thessaloniki Strengthens Tourism Appeal with Launch of Direct LOT Polish Airlines Flights from Warsaw

A new chapter in Thessaloniki’s tourism growth strategy began on Tuesday, June 17, as the city welcomed the inaugural direct flight from Warsaw operated by LOT Polish Airlines. This launch is more than a new air connection — it marks the beginning of deeper cultural and economic ties between Greece and Poland, while advancing Thessaloniki’s ambitions to become a major year-round urban tourism hub.

The milestone flight landed at Thessaloniki’s Makedonia Airport, signifying the realization of a long-term effort by the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization (TTO). Initiated in 2024, this air route was developed as part of a broader initiative focused on sustainable tourism development for the city. Backed by local authorities and supported by international tourism partners, the plan prioritizes accessibility, market diversification, and the elevation of Thessaloniki as a top-tier European destination.

Strategic Focus on the Polish Market

Poland has emerged as one of the fastest-growing outbound tourism markets in Europe. Recognizing this potential, Thessaloniki’s tourism leadership began targeted negotiations with LOT Polish Airlines in early 2024 to establish a direct flight that would serve both cities and promote mutual tourism benefits.

The new connection is designed to meet the increasing demand from Polish travelers for cultural city break destinations that offer authenticity, value, and diversity. Thessaloniki, with its unique blend of ancient history, vibrant culinary scene, and picturesque waterfront, aligns perfectly with these expectations.

According to TTO, the LOT route represents a high-impact move for Thessaloniki’s visibility and accessibility. By offering a seamless travel option from Warsaw, the new flight opens the city to Polish tourists seeking new experiences beyond the more saturated Mediterranean hotspots. The route is expected to significantly boost arrivals, hotel occupancy, and local tourism spending during both peak and off-peak periods.

Flight Schedule and Connectivity

The LOT Polish Airlines service will run daily through October 31, 2025, giving travelers ample opportunity to visit Thessaloniki throughout the busy summer and early autumn seasons. The route will then transition into a winter schedule, with four weekly flights operating from November to March. This ensures Thessaloniki maintains consistent air connectivity even during the traditionally slower tourism months, a key pillar in the city’s year-round tourism strategy.

The consistent schedule is expected to foster repeat visitation and encourage longer stays, particularly for travelers interested in cultural events, gastronomy, and wellness tourism — three segments where Thessaloniki has been investing heavily in recent years.

Media Promotion and Press Delegation

To coincide with the inaugural flight, a high-profile press trip has been organized to highlight Thessaloniki’s offerings to the Polish public. The delegation includes influential journalists and editors from Poland’s most prominent media outlets, such as National Geographic Polska, Radio ZET, wp.pl, Gazeta.pl, and Onet.pl, Poland’s largest digital media platform.

This press trip is a collaborative effort between the Polish National Tourism Organization, LOT Polish Airlines, and the Greek National Tourism Organization, with support from the Thessaloniki Tourism Organization. The goal is to produce high-impact media coverage that introduces Polish travelers to Thessaloniki’s vibrant tourism landscape, including its Byzantine heritage, modern cultural experiences, and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.

Participants will explore key landmarks, local cuisine, and off-the-beaten-path attractions, showcasing how Thessaloniki offers a distinct alternative to more commercial tourist cities. Their features and reports are expected to reach millions of Polish readers, sparking new interest in Thessaloniki as a desirable European destination.

Positioning Thessaloniki for the Future

The direct route to Warsaw aligns closely with Thessaloniki’s long-term goals of establishing more sustainable and diverse inbound markets. Rather than relying solely on traditional sources of tourism, the city aims to cultivate relationships with new travel segments that value authenticity, responsible tourism, and immersive local experiences.

By tapping into the Polish market, Thessaloniki is taking a proactive approach in reshaping its image beyond summer beach travel and toward a more multidimensional offering. This includes promoting its status as a cultural and conference destination, enhancing tourism infrastructure, and investing in year-round programming that appeals to international travelers.

The flight also reinforces Thessaloniki’s role as a regional gateway to Northern Greece and the Balkans, providing a strategic entry point for Polish travelers looking to explore the wider region. With easy onward access to destinations like Halkidiki, Mount Olympus, and the Meteora monasteries, Thessaloniki becomes not just a city break location but a launchpad for broader exploration.

A Win-Win for Tourism Development

Ultimately, the launch of the LOT Polish Airlines flight from Warsaw to Thessaloniki represents a win for both cities. For Thessaloniki, it’s an essential step in enhancing its European tourism appeal and building lasting connections with key markets. For Poland, it offers travelers a fresh and enriching destination that combines history, hospitality, and modern vibrancy.

Poland and Greece have launched a direct air link between Warsaw and Thessaloniki through LOT Polish Airlines, strengthening tourism ties and expanding travel opportunities for Polish visitors to Northern Greece. This new route supports bilateral tourism growth and promotes Thessaloniki as a leading city break destination.

With daily flights, strong media support, and a committed tourism strategy, Thessaloniki is poised to make a lasting impression on Polish visitors — and to further establish itself as one of Europe’s most dynamic and welcoming urban destinations.