Volotea Shuts Athens Base, Expands Aegean Codeshare
Volotea to Close Athens Base in 2025, but Flights Will Continue
Spanish budget airline Volotea has announced that it will close its base at Athens International Airport (ATH) by the end of summer 2025. This decision marks the end of six years of operations in Athens, though the airline will maintain its flight services to and from the airport through routes offered from other cities within its existing network.
The announcement has taken many by surprise, especially given Volotea’s recent expansion in the Greek market. Over the past few years, the airline has steadily increased its network from Athens, now offering direct flights to 16 destinations across Europe. Notably, in 2023, Volotea launched year-round flights to Marseille and Lyon, further solidifying its presence in the region. For 2024, new routes to Naples, Brest, and Split are also on the agenda.
Volotea’s Operations in Greece
Greece has been the smallest of Volotea’s 21 bases, contributing only 0.7% of its scheduled weekly capacity in 2024. The majority of Volotea’s capacity focuses on routes to airports in France, Italy, and Spain. Earlier this year, the airline announced plans to increase its capacity from Athens by 13% compared to the previous year, aiming to provide over 1.6 million seats in Greece for 2024.
Key points regarding Volotea’s impact in Athens include:
- Over 500 employees working in operations at Athens International Airport.
- A significant contribution to the success of European flights from Athens.
In light of the upcoming base closure, Greek airline SKY Express has expressed support by encouraging affected Volotea employees to consider job openings within its expanding team in Athens.
Future Collaborations: Codeshare Agreement with Aegean Airlines
Despite the closure of the Athens base, Volotea remains committed to its partnership with Aegean Airlines, Greece’s largest carrier. The two airlines have been commercial partners since 2021 and entered a full codeshare agreement in September 2024. This partnership enhances connectivity in Greece and strengthens their joint presence in Europe.
The codeshare agreement allows Volotea to offer flights to 16 destinations under its own code, alongside another 16 under Aegean’s code (AEE). Together, they will continue to provide over 100 routes across Europe, utilizing either Volotea’s aircraft or those of partner airlines.
Volotea’s Growth and Future Plans
According to the Volotea website, the airline carried 70 million passengers in 2024 across 450 routes to over 100 destinations in 18 countries. Following the closure of its Athens base, Volotea will operate 20 bases across Europe, including cities like Asturias, Bari, and Marseille. The airline employs over 2,000 staff and operates a fleet of 45 Airbus narrowbody aircraft, including the A319 and A320 models.
As the airline navigates this transition, it remains focused on its growth strategy and partnerships that enhance travel options for passengers.
Conclusion
While the closure of Volotea’s Athens base marks a significant change in its operations, the airline’s commitment to maintaining flights in and out of the city through its network, along with its strategic partnership with Aegean Airlines, demonstrates resilience. Readers are invited to share their thoughts on this development or explore related articles for further insights into the evolving airline industry.
For more information, visit Volotea’s official website or check out updates on the latest travel trends.
