Connecting at Athens Airport: how much time you need

Athens International Airport doesn't publish a connection-time figure. It does explain when minimum connection times apply at all: only when all your flights are on one reservation and your bags are checked through to your final destination. They don't apply if you arranged the connection yourself or have to collect your bags in Athens.

On top of that, the airport asks you to allow extra time for two things: where your next gate is, and the checks you have to pass to reach it.

If both flights are on one ticket and you miss the second one because the first was late, the airline has to rebook you. With separate tickets it doesn't. See what happens if you miss a connection.

Where your gate is

If your next flight leaves from a C gate, it departs from the satellite terminal, and the airport says to allow an extra 15 minutes to get there. Follow the "Transfer to gates A B C" signs.

Passport control and security

• Within the Schengen area, EU citizens don't go through passport control.
• To or from a country outside the Schengen area, you go through passport control.
• Security may also be needed before you reach your gate, depending on where you're flying to.
• The Entry/Exit System (EES) applies to travellers from outside the EU entering and leaving the Schengen area. It started on 12 October 2025 and has been fully in place since 10 April 2026.

Flying on to a regional Greek airport

If your final destination is a regional airport in Greece, you may have to collect your bag and go through customs in Athens, even if it was tagged to your final destination. Check with your airline, and allow time for it.

Keep an eye on the first flight

Before you travel, add both flights to FlyingOver while you're online. You can then follow the first flight offline and see its estimated arrival, so you know early whether your connection is getting tight. Once you're back online, times update with live data.