Published on
December 23, 2025
As travel demand continues to recover and evolve, German airlines are preparing to significantly increase their capacity to Greece for the peak summer months of 2026. According to exclusive aviation data from Cirium, German carriers are set to add over 22,000 seats to Greece’s major airports during July and August 2026 compared to the same months in 2025. This increase reflects a strategic shift in travel patterns, with a greater focus on mainland destinations and urban centers rather than the over-reliant island hotspots that have traditionally drawn large numbers of tourists.
Growth in Seat Capacity for July and August
The increase in capacity is particularly noticeable in July, with an additional 20,354 seats, marking a 2.7% growth. This suggests a shift towards earlier peak-season travel, which could indicate that more tourists are opting for vacations in the early summer months, possibly due to the rise of more resilient, year-round urban destinations. August sees a more modest increase of 2,058 seats, which is a slight growth of 0.3%. Despite the smaller increase, this growth reflects a continuing demand for summer vacations in Greece, especially in cities and regions that have established themselves as key travel hubs for German tourists.
Urban and Mainland Greece Destinations Lead Growth
Several destinations in Greece are benefiting from the changes in travel trends. Chania, located on the western part of Crete, stands out with the largest growth in seat capacity. The city sees an increase of 13% in July, adding 5,113 seats, followed by a 14.3% increase in August with 5,685 additional seats. These numbers confirm a strong ongoing demand for western Crete, as it becomes an increasingly popular destination for German travelers.
Athens also experiences a robust increase in seat capacity. In July, seats are up by 8.2%, with 10,260 more seats being made available, while in August, the capital sees a 7% increase with 8,760 additional seats. Athens’ steady growth as a year-round city-break destination highlights its appeal as a cultural, historical, and business hub for travelers. This consistent demand from German tourists underscores Athens’ importance in the broader Greek tourism landscape.
Thessaloniki, a city in northern Greece, also sees substantial growth, with seat capacity increasing by 7.2% in July, equating to an additional 8,066 seats, and by 5.4% in August. These increases point to a rising interest in Thessaloniki as a travel destination, supported by its cultural offerings, proximity to other historical sites, and emerging status as a vibrant urban center.
Moderate Gains for Other Key Greek Cities
Other cities such as Heraklion, Corfu, and Zakynthos also see moderate gains in seat capacity. While the increases are not as significant as those in Chania, Athens, and Thessaloniki, these destinations are still benefiting from a continued flow of German tourists. The growth in these cities suggests that they are holding their own as popular travel spots but may face increasing competition from mainland locations.
Heraklion, the largest city on Crete, and Corfu, known for its charming architecture and beaches, continue to maintain their positions as key players in the Greek tourism sector. Zakynthos, with its famous beaches and lively tourism scene, also sees an uptick in flight capacity, albeit at a more modest rate.
Declines in Traditional Island Hotspots
While many mainland cities and urban destinations are seeing increased flight capacity, some traditional island hotspots are experiencing declines in seat availability. Rhodes, one of Greece’s most popular islands, sees the largest drop in seat capacity. In July, Rhodes experiences a reduction of 8.6% (-8,642 seats), and in August, the decline is even more pronounced, with a drop of 10.7% (-10,862 seats).
Kos, Mykonos, and Santorini also see slight to moderate reductions in seat capacity, particularly in August. These declines suggest that German airlines and tour operators are beginning to prioritize destinations that are perceived as more resilient, whether due to the diversification of offerings or a reduced dependency on island-based tourism.
The adjustments made in the seat allocations reflect broader trends in travel preferences, where tourists are showing increased interest in mainland Greece and urban destinations. Overcrowding and over-reliance on island tourism may have led to a strategic shift to more sustainable and less seasonal destinations, which offer better year-round opportunities for both tourism and local economies.
Shifting Trends in German Tourists’ Preferences
The data suggests that German tourists are diversifying their travel plans and are more willing to explore Greece beyond its classic islands. The shift towards cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as popular mainland regions such as Crete, indicates a preference for destinations that provide both rich cultural experiences and accessibility.
This trend aligns with the increasing demand for urban tourism and the growing focus on destinations that offer not only sun and sea but also history, culture, and resilience against fluctuating tourist seasons. Greek cities like Athens, with its year-round appeal, and Thessaloniki, with its emerging status as a regional hub, are benefiting the most from these changing preferences.
Outlook for Greece’s Tourism in 2026
The outlook for Greece’s tourism in 2026 appears to be positive, with continued strong demand from Germany, the largest outbound market for Greek tourism. The planned increase in seat capacity for summer 2026 signals that Greek tourism will remain a significant destination for German travelers, with a more balanced focus on both island and mainland destinations.
This growth is expected to help support the Greek economy, as the country continues to recover from past tourism challenges and capitalize on its reputation as a premium vacation destination in Europe. With a clear emphasis on urban centers and resilient mainland regions, Greece is positioning itself as a versatile destination for tourists from around the world.
