Copyright euroweeklynews
SKY express is launching new routes from Athens to Madrid, Berlin, Lisbon, Hamburg and Lyon, marking its transition from domestic operator to major European player. Strategic route selection SKY express’s choice of Madrid, Berlin, Lisbon, Hamburg and Lyon reflects a clear strategic roadmap towards strengthening its European footprint. These cities have not been chosen at random. Madrid and Berlin are major capitals with robust business, political and tourism links, Lisbon serves as a gateway to Portugal and Atlantic markets, Hamburg anchors northern Germany’s economic region, and Lyon offers access to south eastern France’s fast-growing economy. By placing direct links from Athens to each of these hubs, the airline is enhancing Greece’s access to major continental markets and connecting its domestic network to high-value international corridors. Benefits for tourism and local economies The newly announced routes are likely to have a multiplier effect on tourism and regional economies. For Greece, direct access to key European cities means increased inbound tourism beyond seasonal beach destinations, more city-break traffic and enhanced attractiveness as a transit point. Conversely, for Madrid, Berlin, Lisbon, Hamburg and Lyon, the new Athens link opens up two-way opportunities for leisure and business travel, boosting hotel occupancy, tourism spending and ancillary services in Greece and its partner regions. Airports and regional authorities in these cities welcome the connection: for example, at Hamburg Airport the link to Athens is seen as strengthening both business and holiday travel flows. The economic impact is not only in passenger numbers but in commerce: improved connectivity fosters trade, cultural exchange and business travel, encouraging airlines, hotels, tour operators and local service providers to expand operations. For Greece especially, the increased route diversity helps shift the tourism model toward year-round appeal rather than purely summer-season peaks. Modern fleet supports growth Underpinning the route expansion is SKY Express’s commitment to a modern, efficient fleet. The airline has added new Airbus A320neo aircraft, boasting lower fuel consumption and reduced CO₂ emissions and noise. This indicates both operational modernisation and environmental awareness. A younger fleet also means greater reliability, lower maintenance costs and the ability to serve a wider range of city-pair routes with economic sustainability. This aligns with the carrier’s ambition to grow internationally while maintaining operational efficiency and competitiveness in the European market. Looking ahead With new routes rolling out between October and December 2025 – Athens to Berlin (four times weekly), Athens to Madrid (five times weekly) and others to follow – SKY Express is making its move. The expansion forms a clear pillar of its growth strategy: shifting from a large domestic player to a credible pan-European brand. The ripple effects for tourism, regional economies and competitive aviation dynamics will be watched closely. As connectivity deepens between Greece and Europe’s major hubs, the message is clear: SKY express is not just flying more routes—it’s flying into the heart of Europe’s transport and tourism map.
