The importance of civil aviation as a key driver of economic growth, tourism, and international connectivity was at the center of the remarks made by Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Dimas during the Regional Workshop of the International Civil Aviation Organization (CAMP), held in Athens.
According to the relevant press release, the minister emphasized that aviation is no longer merely a transport sector, but a critical pillar that influences the economy, trade, investment, and the country’s geopolitical position.
Mr. Dimas said that airports “are hubs of a global geo-economic and geopolitical system that connects infrastructure, energy systems, supply chains, dual-use corridors, and security frameworks, organizing flows, resilience, and Europe’s strategic presence in the world.”
Particular emphasis was placed on the role of aviation for Greece, given the country’s strong tourism economy, its insularity, and its geographical location at the crossroads of three continents.
Additionally, he stressed that “investment in modern, resilient, and sustainable aviation infrastructure is not merely a transport policy objective, but a strategic investment in the country’s development, competitiveness, and international appeal.”
Christos Dimas referred to investments in the sector, noting that the 14 regional airports recorded a historic record of 37 million passengers in 2025, while new investments totaling approximately €200 million are planned by 2030 to upgrade infrastructure.
At the same time, he noted that an international tender is being launched for the development of 22 additional regional airports, with the aim of strengthening island connectivity and tourism development.
Reference was also made to the dynamism of the Indian market, with the minister noting that arrivals increased by 18% in 2024, despite the absence of direct flights, while their launch in 2026 is expected to further boost tourism and investment.
Referring to the new airport in Kastelli, Crete, he noted that this is a flagship project that embodies the vision for “the creation of modern, sustainable, and future-ready aviation infrastructure capable of supporting tourism development, connectivity, and long-term economic resilience”.
The Minister noted that “the aviation sector currently faces significant global challenges: climate change, sustainability goals, energy transition, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and ever-evolving mobility needs, ” emphasizing that addressing them requires coordinated planning, international cooperation, and innovative financing tools.
Finally, Mr. Dimas praised the importance of initiatives such as the ICAO workshop, noting that Strategic Civil Aviation Policy Planning is a strategic tool for aligning infrastructure, environmental goals, and economic priorities, while assuring that Greece will continue to actively contribute to the international dialogue on the future of aviation.
He stated that: “Greece actively supports ICAO’s work to promote safe, sustainable, and resilient aviation systems. Our cooperation is constantly strengthening, and we are committed to participating meaningfully in regional and international dialogue.
By hosting the workshop in Athens, we aim to further strengthen regional cooperation, facilitate the exchange of know-how and best practices, and actively contribute to shaping the future of aviation in our region.”