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Initiative

Strengthening Local Communities - Athens International Airport’s Social Engagement and Local Impact

Strengthening Local Communities - Athens International Airport’s Social Engagement and Local Impact
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Athens International Airport S.A.

Athens International Airport (AIA) is Greece's largest aviation hub, renowned for its high productivity, robust profitability, and resilience over its 28-year history. Strategically located in Attica, Greece's economic center, AIA capitalizes on the travel demands of international visitors and Greek passengers, benefiting from a thriving tourism sector and favorable macroeconomic conditions.

In 2023, AIA served over 28 million passengers, exceeding pre-COVID-19 levels and outperforming many European airports. A significant milestone was achieved in February 2024 with AIA's listing on the Main Market of the Regulated Securities Market of the Athens Exchange, a long-standing goal for its shareholders as per the Airport Development Agreement (ADA).

With its strategic location and operational excellence, Athens International Airport is poised for continued growth and success

Athens International Airport - Traveller www.aia.gr

Corporate videos:

Athens International Airport serves as a global gateway for Greece!

“Route 2025”: Το αεροδρόμιο στο δρόμο για τη Βιώσιμη Ανάπτυξη - Νέο φωτοβολταϊκό πάρκο 16 MW 

 



Objective Action

Athens International Airport (AIA) has consistently integrated social responsibility and community engagement into its sustainability strategy. The Airport Company supports the development of the Mesogheia region and the wider Attica area through structured actions in employment, education, environment, culture, athletics and society. This framework aims to:

  • Further enhance AIA’s positive socio-economic footprint, as demonstrated by the Economic Impact Study (IOBE, 2024).
  • Create and sustain opportunities for local employment and integration with neighboring communities, particularly in the Mesogheia area.
  • Deliver measurable improvements to residents’ quality of life through infrastructure, cultural, athletic, educational and social programs.
  • Promote environmental awareness, biodiversity conservation, and cultural identity through long-term partnerships, such as the preservation and promotion of the Vravrona Wetland (a Natura 2000 site).

These initiatives significantly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). In specific: SDG 4 - Quality Education, SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 15 - Life on Land, while reinforcing Athens’ profile as a sustainable, attractive, and socially inclusive destination.

 

Target Audience

Athens International Airport's (AIA) targets a diverse range of stakeholders, including:

  • Residents of Mesogheia and neighboring municipalities.
  • Local authorities, cultural and athletic associations, NGOs, and schools.
  • AIA employees and Airport Community Stakeholders (25% of direct jobs are held by Mesogheia residents).
  • Passengers and visitors, who benefit from improved services, amenities, and community integration.
  • The wider Greek society, supported through AIA’s contribution to GDP and national employment.
 

Duration

  • 2019: Continuation of AIA’s Community Engagement Plan (CEP).
  • 2020-2023: Expansion of education programs, environmental promotion initiatives, including the preservation and promotion of the Vravrona wetland (Natura 2000).
  • 2024: Community Engagement Plan supported dozens of local organisations; launch of WebTrak application to facilitate flight and noise monitoring by local residents.
  • 2025: Publication of the updated Economic Impact Study (AIA-IOBE), continued implementation and expansion of local engagement programs, aligned with AIA’s long-term sustainability strategy.

Description

Athens International Airport is a major driver of economic and social growth in Greece, fostering business activity, job creation, and investment opportunities. According to the latest Study (AIA Economic Impact Study, IOBE, 2024), the Airport contributes 3.8% of Greece’s GDP and 4.2% of total employment, corresponding to around 214,000 jobs nationwide. In the Mesogheia region, 25% of direct employment in the Airport Community involves local residents, underscoring AIA’s role as a strong regional employer.

Athens International Airport implements an annual Community Engagement Plan (CEP), investing in social, educational, cultural, athletic, environmental and other initiatives. These actions go well beyond legal obligations, contributing both to AIA’s standing as a good neighbour and to the preservation of its social licence to operate (SLO).

Through its Community Engagement Plan 2024, AIA supported dozens of local organisations and initiatives, ranging from cultural and educational programs to social care and environmental projects. A flagship example is the ongoing preservation and promotion of the Vravrona Wetland (a Natura 2000 site) in collaboration with local NGOs and authorities, highlighting the area’s environmental and cultural significance.

Infrastructure projects also support community engagement: The Airport introduced WebTrak, an online system enabling residents to track aircraft movements and noise levels in real time, thus promoting transparency and trust (Read more in AIA’s Care for the Environment Issue 27).

Education and awareness programs are another cornerstone of the CEP, targeting students of all educational levels as well as local community groups, with the aim of cultivating environmental awareness and social responsibility. In parallel, AIA participates in the “This is Athens & Partners” initiative (https://www.thisisathens.org/partners), supporting local entrepreneurship, enhancing the city’s tourism appeal, and reinforcing Athens’ identity as a competitive and sustainable destination.


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Impact on Society

  • Economic impact: Contribution of 3.8% of national GDP and 4.2% of total employment, equivalent to approximately 214,000 jobs (IOBE 2024).
  • Local employment: 25% of direct jobs within the Airport Community are held by residents of the Mesogheia region.
  • Environmental protection: Ongoing support for the Vravrona Wetland program, promoting biodiversity, education, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
  • Education and awareness: Programs reaching thousands of students across all education levels, as well as social groups and local organisations.
  • Tourism and business: Active participation in the “This is Athens & Partners” initiative, strengthening local entrepreneurship and enhancing the city’s tourism profile.


Initiative Location

Spata, Attica - Athens International Airport and neighbouring municipalities in the Mesogheia region.


Working with Organization

This is Athens & Partners: Municipality of Athens, SETE, Aegean, Ionian Hotel Enterprises S.A., LAMDA Developments S.A., LAMPSA HELLENIC S.A, Develop Athens, Marketing Greece and The Athens Partnership.

ΙΟΒΕ (for the Economic Impact Study).


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Workers Participation

AIA employees play a central role in community engagement, not only through their professional responsibilities, but also as ambassadors of sustainability and social responsibility. Dedicated project teams coordinate the implementation of the Community Engagement Plan (CEP), while employees and volunteers actively participate in educational outreach, cultural sponsorships, and environmental initiatives such as the Vravrona Wetland program.

This shared commitment strengthens the bond between the Airport and its neighbouring communities, ensuring that AIA’s values are embedded both within and beyond the workplace.


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Benefits for Οrganization

  • Reinforces AIA’s role as a trusted partner in both local and national development.
  • Strengthens reputation as a socially responsible and community-integrated company.
  • Boosts employee engagement through participation in community-focused activities.
  • Supports Athens’ positioning as a sustainable and attractive destination.
  • Aligns business growth with measurable social, economic, and environmental outcomes.



Connection with Global Goals







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