Overview of Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport
Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport is the second-largest airport in Greece, serving the city of Thessaloniki and the wider region of Macedonia. The airport is located approximately 15 kilometers southeast of the city center and was first opened in 1930.
In recent years, Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport has undergone significant renovations and expansions, resulting in modern facilities and an increased capacity. It currently has two terminals – Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights.
The airport serves as a hub for Aegean Airlines, a major Greek airline, and many other airlines operate regular flights to and from the airport. In 2019, the airport handled over 7 million passengers, making it one of the busiest airports in Greece.
Passengers can expect a range of amenities at the airport, including a selection of restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals. There are also car rental services available, and the airport is well-connected by public transportation to Thessaloniki city center and the surrounding areas.
Overall, Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport is a vital hub for air travel in northern Greece, offering modern facilities and convenient connections for both domestic and international travelers.
Terminals at Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport
Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport has only one terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights. The terminal is a two-story building with a total area of 32,000 square meters.
The ground floor of the terminal is dedicated to arrivals, while the first floor is for departures. The airport has a total of 34 check-in counters for both domestic and international flights, as well as six security checkpoints for departing passengers.
In addition, there are several duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and other retail outlets available for passengers. The airport also has several lounges, including the Aegean lounge, which offers comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and snacks for eligible passengers.
Passengers arriving at the airport can easily find transportation options outside the terminal building. Taxis are available 24/7, and the airport is also served by public transport in the form of buses.
Overall, the terminal at Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport offers all the necessary facilities and services that passengers may need to make their journey comfortable and seamless. The airport staff is also friendly and helpful, ensuring that passengers have a smooth experience.
Airlines and Destinations
Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport is served by numerous airlines, providing a wide range of domestic and international destinations.
Aegean Airlines is the largest carrier at the airport, with numerous flights to domestic destinations such as Athens, Crete, Santorini and Rhodes, as well as several international destinations including London, Brussels, Berlin, Munich, and Istanbul.
Other major airlines serving the airport include Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Lufthansa. Ryanair offers flights to several European destinations, including Rome, Dublin, Milan, and Barcelona, while Wizz Air operates flights to cities such as Budapest, Bucharest, Sofia, and Cluj-Napoca. Lufthansa provides service to Frankfurt.
Seasonal flights are also available from Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport. During the summer months, airlines such as easyJet, TUI, and Jet2.com offer direct flights to popular holiday destinations like Palma de Mallorca, Malta, and Heraklion.
Overall, there are numerous options for travelers from Thessaloniki, whether they’re exploring Greece or heading further afield across Europe.
Transportation Options at Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport
Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport is located 15 kilometers south of Thessaloniki city center and offers a variety of transportation options to get you to your destination.
One of the most convenient ways to get from the airport to downtown is by shuttle. There are several shuttle companies operating from the airport, offering shared or private transfers to various destinations in the city. Some of the companies include Sunline Transfers, Welcome Pickups, and City Airport Taxis.
If you prefer to drive yourself, there are several car rental companies located at the airport, including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Sixt. You can book a car in advance or rent one on arrival. All the car rental counters are located in the arrivals area of the airport terminal.
Another option is to take the shuttle bus. The KTEL shuttle bus service operates from the airport to downtown Thessaloniki, as well as to other cities in Greece. The bus departs every hour, and the journey takes approximately 45 minutes. You can purchase your ticket from the ticket office inside the airport terminal.
If you’re looking for a more cost-effective way to travel, you can take the train. The airport is connected to the city’s railway network via the Thessaloniki Suburban Railway. The trains run every hour from the airport to Thessaloniki and other cities in the region. The journey takes around 25 minutes, and tickets can be purchased from the ticket office in the airport terminal.
Lastly, there are also regular taxi services available at the airport. The taxi ranks are located outside the arrivals area of the terminal, and you can easily find a taxi to take you to your destination. The fares are metered and regulated by the government, so you don’t have to worry about being overcharged.
In conclusion, whether you prefer to take the shuttle, rent a car, take the shuttle bus or train, or simply hail a taxi, there are plenty of transportation options available at Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport. All these options are designed to help you reach your destination quickly and conveniently, so you can start exploring the beautiful city of Thessaloniki.
Parking at Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport
Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport offers a variety of parking options for passengers who need to park their vehicles while they travel. There are several parking areas available, including short-term parking, long-term parking, and covered parking.
Short-term parking is located directly in front of the terminal building and is suitable for trips lasting less than 24 hours. The first 20 minutes are free of charge, and the hourly rate is €2.50. Long-term parking is located in a separate area and is suitable for those who need to park for more than 24 hours. The daily rate for long-term parking is €9.
For those who want to park their vehicle in a covered area, there is a parking garage located near the terminal building. The hourly rate for covered parking is €3, and the daily rate is €15.
Passengers can pay for their parking using cash or credit/debit cards at the automated payment machines located in each parking area. There is also a 24-hour customer service desk for those who need assistance with their parking.
Overall, Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport offers a range of convenient parking options for passengers, with rates that are reasonable and competitive with other airports in the region.
Check-In Procedures
At Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport, passengers have various check-in options. One option is online check-in, which allows passengers to check-in from the comfort of their own home or office. Online check-in opens 48 hours before the flight departure time and closes 2 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Passengers who prefer to use a self-service kiosk can do so at the airport. These kiosks are located in the check-in hall and can be used to print boarding passes, select seats and check luggage. Passengers who are traveling with only carry-on luggage can proceed directly to security after completing self-service check-in.
For those who prefer the traditional check-in method, there are counters located in the check-in hall manned by airline staff. This method allows passengers to interact with an agent directly and receive assistance with any questions or concerns they may have. Passengers can also check their luggage at these counters if necessary.
Regardless of the check-in method chosen, passengers are required to have a valid travel document, such as a passport or national ID card, and their flight reservation number. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before the scheduled departure time to allow for enough time to complete the check-in process and pass through security.
Security Procedures and Tips at Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport
At the airport, all passengers are required to go through a security check before boarding their flight. This includes passing through metal detectors and having their carry-on bags scanned.
To ensure a smooth security check, it is important to remove any jackets or belts that contain metal before passing through the metal detectors. Additionally, liquids over 100ml should be placed in checked-in luggage or disposed of prior to the security check.
Passengers should also be prepared to remove laptops or other electronic devices from their bags for individual scanning. Shoes may also need to be removed for inspection.
Overall, following these guidelines and being prepared for the security check can help alleviate stress and make the process go more smoothly.
Customs and Immigration at Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport
Arriving passengers at Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport will first proceed to the passport control area where their passports and travel documents will be checked.
Afterward, they will need to collect their luggage from the baggage claim area before proceeding to the customs area. Here, they will declare any goods they are bringing into the country and may be subject to further inspection if deemed necessary.
Departing passengers will need to check in their luggage and present their passport and boarding pass at the immigration counters.
After passing through security checks, passengers will then proceed to the departure gate for their flight. It is important to note that passengers should arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to their scheduled departure time to allow sufficient time for these processes.
Amenities
– Duty-free shops
– Restaurants and cafes
– Bookstores and newsstands
– Car rental services
– ATMs and currency exchange offices
– Prayer rooms and chapels
– Free Wi-Fi access
– Children’s play area
– Luggage storage facilities
Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport offers a range of amenities to make your travel experience more comfortable and convenient. If you’re looking for some last-minute shopping, there are a number of duty-free shops offering a wide variety of products. Food options include restaurants and cafes serving a range of cuisines, as well as bookstores and newsstands for reading materials.
If you need to rent a car, there are several car rental services available at the airport. In addition, there are ATMs and currency exchange offices, so you can easily obtain local currency for your trip. For those who need a quiet space to pray or reflect, there are prayer rooms and chapels available.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, so you can stay connected with family and friends. If you’re traveling with children, there is a children’s play area to keep them entertained before your flight. Finally, if you need a place to store your luggage, there are luggage storage facilities available for a fee.
Accessibility Services
Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport provides a range of facilities and services for passengers with disabilities or mobility issues.
These include wheelchair accessible ramps, elevators, and designated parking spaces close to the terminal building.
Assistance is also available for passengers who require help with check-in, security, and boarding procedures.
Passengers can request assistance at the airport or via their airline before their flight.
Additionally, the airport has accessible restrooms and special seating areas for disabled passengers.
If you have any specific requirements or questions about accessibility services, it’s recommended to contact the airport or your airline before traveling.
Connecting Flights at Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport
The process for catching a connecting flight at Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport is fairly straightforward.
First, make sure to check your arrival and departure gates as soon as you land. This will give you a sense of how much time you have to make your connection.
Next, follow the signs to the transfer desk, where you can get assistance with any questions or concerns.
Be sure to have all necessary documents, such as your passport and boarding pass, readily available.
If you have a tight connection, it may be helpful to let the flight attendants on your first flight know, as they can potentially help expedite your exit from the plane.
Finally, stay calm and don’t hesitate to ask airport staff for help if needed. With these tips in mind, catching a connecting flight at Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport should be a breeze.
Baggage Claim and Lost Property
Upon arrival at Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport, passengers are directed to the baggage claim area in the arrivals hall.
Baggage carousels are clearly marked with flight numbers and airlines to assist with the retrieval of luggage.
If a passenger’s luggage is missing or damaged, they should immediately report it to the airport’s lost property office, located in the baggage claim area.
Passengers must provide their flight information and a detailed description of their missing or damaged luggage.
The lost property office will then search for the missing luggage and inform the passenger once it is found or make arrangements for compensation in the case of damaged luggage.
Emergency and Medical Facilities
Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport has a medical center, staffed with trained medical professionals, which is open 24/7. In case of an emergency, call the medical center or alert the airport staff who will provide assistance.
The airport also has defibrillators located throughout the terminal buildings for use in cases of cardiac arrest. Additionally, there are emergency response teams on standby to attend to any situation requiring assistance.
Should you require medication or first aid supplies, there is a pharmacy located in the terminal building. The pharmacy is open seven days a week and offers a variety of medical and health-related products.
For any medical emergencies that cannot be treated onsite, there are several hospitals located near the airport, including the General Hospital of Thessaloniki, which is only a 15-minute drive away.
Hotel Accommodations near Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport
There are several hotel options available for travelers arriving or departing from Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport.
The following is a list of five hotels located near the airport.
1. Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki – 2.8 miles from the airport
2. Golden Star City Resort – 2.9 miles from the airport
3. Athina Airport Hotel – 3.2 miles from the airport
4. Avalon Hotel Thessaloniki – 3.4 miles from the airport
5. Holiday Inn Thessaloniki – 3.7 miles from the airport
Each of these hotels offers amenities such as free wifi, airport shuttle service, and on-site dining options for travelers’ convenience.
Useful Tips
Here are some insider tips for navigating and enjoying Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport.
Firstly, arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. This will give you enough time to check in, go through security, and find your gate.
Secondly, if you have time to spare, explore the airport’s shops and restaurants. There are many options to choose from, including Greek cuisine and international fast-food chains.
Thirdly, if you’re traveling with children, take advantage of the airport’s kid-friendly areas and playrooms. This will help keep your little ones entertained and comfortable during your wait.
Finally, make sure to keep an eye on the flight information displays throughout the airport. They provide important updates on flight delays, gate changes, and boarding times.
Contact Information
– Airport Information Desk: +30 2310 985 000
– Lost and Found: +30 2310 473 212
– Baggage Claim: +30 2310 473 212
– Customs: +30 2310 473 146
– Medical Services: +30 2310 472 217
– VIP Services: +30 2310 473 181
– Parking Services: +30 2310 411 711
– Tourist Office: +30 2310 281 617
Airports Near Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport
There are a few other airports within a reasonable distance from Thessaloniki Macedonia International Airport. These include the following:
– Kavala International Airport “Megas Alexandros” (220 km southeast), accessible by car or bus.
– Ioannina National Airport “King Pyrros” (270 km southwest), accessible by car or bus.
– Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (380 km southeast), accessible by car, bus, or train.
Travelers can also consider using local transportation options such as taxis, private transfers, or rental cars to reach these airports if needed.