Demokritos Airport

Welcome to Demokritos International Airport (AXD), the aerial gateway to the charming city of Alexandroupolis and all of northeastern Greece. Named after the ancient philosopher Democritus, a native of this region, the airport combines rich history with modern convenience. Built in 1944 and granted international status in 1955, it serves as a vital transport hub for the East Macedonia and Thrace region. Despite its compact size, the airport is renowned for its efficiency, cleanliness, and friendly atmosphere, making the start of your journey particularly pleasant.

Demokritos Airport offers travellers everything needed for a comfortable wait for their flight. Thanks to the single terminal, navigating the building is intuitive and does not take much time. Passengers have access to a cafe, a restaurant, a duty-free shop, free Wi-Fi throughout the area, as well as car rental offices for those planning to explore the region on their own. Excellent transport connections allow you to reach the city centre in just 10-20 minutes by taxi or bus, making the airport a convenient starting point for discovering the historic region of Thrace.

Below you will find useful contact details for Demokritos Airport (AXD), which will help you plan your trip and navigate upon arrival.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations can always be found on the official website: www.axd-airport.gr.
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate information, you can call the airport information centre at: +30 25510 89300.
• Airport Address: 6th km Alexandroupoli - Kipi National Road, Alexandroupoli 681 00, Greece.
• Email: For general enquiries, you can use the contact form on the website or write to the general address of the management company Fraport Greece: info@fraport-greece.com.
• Social Media: Official news and updates can be tracked on Fraport Greece social media pages (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube).
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage during the flight, you must immediately contact the Lost & Found service of your airline or its ground handling representative at the airport. Their contacts are usually listed on the boarding pass and on information boards in the arrivals area.
• Passenger Support Service: For questions related to your stay in the terminal (not regarding the flight itself), you can contact the information desks or call the general airport information phone number.

You can get to Demokritos Airport (AXD) from the city of Alexandroupolis, located just 7 km away, in several convenient ways. The choice depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences. The journey from the city centre to the terminal usually takes no more than 15-20 minutes.

The most economical way to reach the airport is by public bus. Routes operated by KTEL Evrou run regularly between the centre of Alexandroupolis and the airport. The trip takes about 20 minutes and costs just a few euros. This is an excellent option for travellers with light luggage. Important: before travelling, it is recommended to check the current schedule on the carrier's website, as it may change depending on the season and day of the week.

For those who value comfort and speed, a taxi or a pre-booked transfer is the ideal choice. A taxi ride from the city centre to the airport will take just 10-15 minutes. The cost is usually around 10-15 euros, but may vary depending on the time of day and luggage. Taxis can easily be found at designated stands in the city or called by phone. Booking a private transfer is particularly convenient for families with children or large groups.

If you plan to actively travel around the Thrace region and explore the picturesque surroundings of Greece, the best solution would be car rental. Demokritos Airport hosts offices of several international and local rental companies. By booking a car in advance, you can start your journey immediately upon arrival. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, there is convenient parking available on the premises for both short-term and long-term stays.

Demokritos Airport (AXD) in Alexandroupolis is a small and compact regional airport, typical of many cities in Greece. Its structure is extremely simple and intuitive, even for those visiting for the first time.

Structure and Terminals

The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which serves all flights — both domestic and international (mainly seasonal and charter). Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transferring between buildings or complex navigation. All zones are located within a single two-storey building.

Layout and Navigation

The terminal layout is very logical. On the ground floor, you will find the check-in counters and the arrivals area with the baggage claim belt. After check-in, passengers proceed to the first floor, where the security control zone and boarding gates are located. Signs in the airport are duplicated in Greek and English, so it is practically impossible to get lost.

Departure and Arrival Zones

• The Arrivals Zone is located on the ground floor. Immediately after disembarking, passengers enter a small hall where they pass passport control (for flights from outside the Schengen area) and collect their luggage. The car rental offices and the exit to taxis and the bus stop are also located here.
• The Departures Zone begins on the ground floor with the check-in counters. After checking in and dropping off luggage, you head to the first floor for security screening. After this, you enter a small waiting lounge with several boarding gates, a small cafe, and a Duty Free shop.

Processing Times and Recommendations

Due to the airport's compactness, all pre-flight formalities usually proceed quite quickly. Outside of peak season, check-in and security may take no more than 20-30 minutes. However, during the summer months (June to August), when the number of charter flights increases, queues may occur. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before an international flight and 1-1.5 hours before a domestic one, to complete all procedures without rushing.

Demokritos Airport (AXD) is not just an aerial gateway to Alexandroupolis and the East Macedonia and Thrace region, but also a site with a rich history. Its journey reflects the development of aviation in Greece and the strategic importance of this region.

The history of the airport began in 1944, when it was built as a military airfield. For the first decade, it served exclusively military needs. A turning point was 1955, when the airport was officially declared civilian, opening the doors for the first passenger flights and marking the beginning of its new role as a transport hub.

A key stage in its development was 1975. During this time, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out: a new terminal and runway were built, which still form the basis of the airport's infrastructure today. It was then that the airport was named "Demokritos" in honour of the great ancient Greek philosopher born in Abdera, not far from modern Alexandroupolis. This step highlighted the cultural connection of the airport with the region's rich historical heritage.

In subsequent years, the airport was repeatedly modernised to meet modern safety and comfort standards. For instance, in 2001, works were carried out to renovate and expand the passenger terminal. Today, Demokritos Airport retains its status as a "National Airport", serving scheduled flights to Athens and Crete, as well as seasonal charter flights from European countries. It plays an important role in transport connections with the island of Samothrace and serves as a vital link connecting northeastern Greece with the rest of the country and the world.

Despite its compact size, Demokritos Airport (AXD) offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminal features a cafe where you can have a snack, coffee, or soft drinks. Also at your service is a Duty Free shop, which presents a range of perfumes, beverages, tobacco products, and Greek souvenirs.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. The waiting hall has stations for charging mobile devices. Financial services are represented by ATMs and a currency exchange point, which is particularly convenient for international tourists arriving in Greece. In case of need, there is a first aid point at the airport.

Conditions have been created for passengers with special needs: the airport is equipped with ramps, special restrooms, and offers an escort service. Families with small children can use the mother and child room to care for babies in a quiet environment. Although there are no dedicated VIP lounges in the airport, the general waiting hall is sufficiently comfortable.

There are no hotels within the airport building itself, however, many accommodation options can be found in the city of Alexandroupolis, which is just a few kilometres away. There are no specialised conference halls or business centres at the airport, but basic conditions for work, such as internet access and quiet zones in the cafe, allow for addressing urgent business matters.

Demokritos Airport (AXD) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite compact, yet sufficient for a snack before departure or after arrival. The main options are concentrated in the main terminal building.

In the public zone (landside), before passing security control, the main cafe-bar is located. Here, passengers and greeters can find a basic assortment of food and drinks. The menu usually includes:

• Hot and cold drinks: coffee (including traditional Greek frappé), tea, juices, water.
• Fresh pastries: croissants, local cheese pies (tiropita) or spinach pies (spanakopita), which are excellent for getting acquainted with the local cuisine.
• Quick snacks: sandwiches with various fillings, toast, crisps, and chocolate.
• More substantial dishes: typically, these are ready-made salads, for example, the classic Greek salad.

This establishment is the best choice for those who want a proper lunch or to enjoy a coffee without haste. Its opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule: the cafe opens a few hours before the first departure and closes after the last plane departs. Prices here are standard for airports — slightly higher than in the city, but quite acceptable.

After passing security control (airside), in the departures zone, the choice is more limited. A small buffet or vending machines may operate here, where you can buy packaged drinks and light snacks. Therefore, if you plan a more substantial meal, it is better to do so before passing screening.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding certified Halal or gluten-free dishes might be difficult. However, vegetarians can almost always count on a Greek salad (it is worth checking the dressing ingredients) or pastries with spinach. For stricter dietary restrictions, it is recommended to carry a small supply of food with you.

To ensure your journey through "Demokritos" Airport goes smoothly, make use of our tips. This is a small regional airport, but knowing some nuances will help save time and nerves. We recommend arriving at the airport 2-2.5 hours before international flights and 1.5 hours before domestic ones, especially during the peak tourist season (June to August) when passenger traffic increases.

The check-in and screening process here usually goes faster than in major hubs. Nevertheless, always keep your passport and boarding pass ready. To speed up security control, pack all liquids (up to 100 ml each) in one transparent bag in advance and remove electronics from your hand luggage. If you are travelling with hand luggage only, use online check-in for your flight — this will allow you to go straight to screening, bypassing the airline counter.

When choosing a seat on the plane, ask for a window seat to enjoy views of the Thracian Sea and the coast of Greece during takeoff or landing. As for hand luggage, remember standard restrictions: sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Rules for carrying liquids are standard for most airports, but it is always useful to clarify the allowances of your specific airline.

The airport of Alexandroupolis is rarely used for connecting flights; it mainly serves direct flights. If you have a self-transfer, allow enough time to collect luggage, check in again, and pass all formalities. Customs control for those arriving from non-EU countries follows the standard procedure with red and green channels. If you have nothing to declare, feel free to go through the green one.

To save money, book a transfer from the airport in advance online — this is often cheaper than taking a taxi on the spot. Also, take an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled at drinking fountains after passing security control, to avoid spending on drinks in the departure zone.

In case of flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative at the airport. They will provide current information and instructions. Remember that under EU Regulation No 261/2004, for long delays, passengers are entitled to meals, refreshments, and if necessary, hotel accommodation at the airline's expense. Having travel insurance may also cover unforeseen expenses.