How a wartime airfield evolved into a critical gateway for Northern Greece
In short: Thessaloniki Airport began as a collection of military airfields during the First World War. Today, it stands as a major international hub, having transformed from a modest civilian project into a modern facility capable of handling millions of passengers, despite a history marked by complex infrastructure challenges and dramatic aviation incidents.
Established during the First World War to support the Macedonian front, the site originally comprised several airfields, including Little Mikra and the military-focused Sedes. While civil aviation efforts began in 1938, the Second World War halted progress, delaying the airport's official opening to civilian traffic until 1948. Post-war development was heavily influenced by Greece's accession to NATO, which funded critical runway expansions and terminal upgrades in 1965. The facility was later renamed Makedonia in 1993, reflecting its regional significance.
The airport's infrastructure has faced persistent hurdles, most notably the decades-long expansion of runway 10/28. Conceived in 1997, the project aimed to extend the runway into the sea to accommodate larger aircraft and improve safety during poor weather. After numerous delays, the extension was finally completed in 2019 and entered service in 2020. This upgrade significantly increased the airport's capacity, allowing it to serve nearly 90% of commercial aircraft types, a massive leap from the previous 22.6% limit.
Operational control shifted in 2017 when Fraport Greece assumed management under a 40-year concession. This transition triggered a rapid modernization phase, including the construction of a second terminal that opened in 2021, three months ahead of schedule. These investments were designed to handle rising passenger numbers, which had already surpassed five million annually by 2014. Despite its growth, the airport's history is punctuated by notable safety incidents, including runway overruns and crashes in the surrounding mountains, which have underscored the ongoing necessity for the technological and safety improvements implemented in recent years.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Thessaloniki Airport
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