Thessaloniki International Airport

Thessaloniki International Airport. Source: Kupi.com AI

Thessaloniki Airport "Makedonia" is the main aerial gateway to Northern Greece and the starting point for journeys to the golden beaches of the Halkidiki peninsula. Following a massive reconstruction, this aviation hub has transformed into a modern European hub where technology meets Greek hospitality. One of the airport's calling cards is its runway, which literally extends into the waters of the Thermaic Gulf, offering passengers unforgettable views during takeoff and landing.

The renewed "Makedonia" airport offers passengers a high level of comfort and well-planned infrastructure:

• Unique Location: The airport is located just 15 kilometres from the centre of Thessaloniki, allowing you to reach the city in 30–40 minutes, and serves as a convenient starting point for trips to the Halkidiki resorts.
• Modern Terminal: Under the management of Fraport Greece, the airport received a new spacious terminal covering over 34,000 sq. m with a modern check-in area and security systems.
• Transport Accessibility: Round-the-clock bus service (routes 01X by day and 01N by night) connects the terminal with the railway station and the KTEL bus station; taxis and numerous car rental desks are also available.
• Service and Shopping: While waiting for a flight, travellers can visit the renovated Duty Free zone, taste local cuisine in restaurants, or utilise business lounges for a comfortable rest.

• Official Website: www.skg-airport.gr. Current information about flights, services, and airport rules is available on the site.
• Information Desk Phone: +30 2310 985000.
• Address: Thessaloniki Airport "Makedonia", P.O. Box 22605, GR-55103, Kalamaria, Thessaloniki, Greece.
• Email: For most inquiries, it is recommended to use the special contact forms available on the official airport website in the "Contact" section.
• Social Media: You can follow airport news on the official pages on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost or damaged luggage, you must first contact your airline's representative. You can also contact the Lost & Found service, serviced by handling companies Goldair Handling or Skyserv, depending on your carrier.
• Customer Support Contacts: For assistance directly at the airport, you can approach the information desks located in the terminal or call the general information service number.

Getting to "Makedonia" International Airport (SKG) from the city centre of Thessaloniki or vice versa is possible in several ways. The airport is located approximately 15 kilometres southeast of the centre, and the choice of transport depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences.

Public Transport: Bus
The most economical way to get to the airport is the city bus. Route No. 01X "KTEL – Airport" runs during the day with intervals of about 15-20 minutes, and at night it is replaced by route No. 01N "KTEL – Airport (Night)". The journey from the terminus at the railway station to the airport takes approximately 40-50 minutes depending on traffic. The ticket cost is around €2. You can purchase it at OASTH kiosks or from a machine inside the bus (exact change only). This is the ideal choice for budget travellers.

Taxi and Private Transfer
A taxi ride is a fast and convenient option. The travel time to the city centre is 25-30 minutes. The cost of a trip during the day is about €25-30, while at night (from midnight to 5 AM) a higher tariff applies, and the price may reach €35-40. The official taxi rank is located directly at the exit of the arrivals terminal. For greater convenience and a fixed price, you can pre-book a private transfer, especially if you are travelling with family or large luggage.

Car Rental
If you plan to actively travel around northern Greece, for example, to visit the Halkidiki peninsula, renting a car will be the best solution. In the airport arrivals hall, there are desks of many international and local rental companies. It is recommended to book a car online in advance, especially during the high season, to get the best price. The airport has convenient parking for both short-term and long-term stays.

Although the airport in Thessaloniki is the region's main transport hub, for travel around northern and central Greece, you might consider other options, such as Kavala International Airport or Nea Anchialos airport, serving the city of Volos and its surroundings.

Thessaloniki International Airport "Makedonia" (SKG) consists of two terminals — Terminal 1 (old) and Terminal 2 (new), which are connected and effectively form a single complex. Thanks to this, moving between them does not require shuttles — passengers can freely walk from one building to the other, which significantly simplifies navigation.

Terminal 2, opened in 2021, is the main facility and handles the majority of international and domestic flights. Here you will find modern check-in counters, the main security checkpoint, and most boarding gates. It features spacious halls and a large number of shops, cafes, and restaurants. Terminal 1, which is older, is integrated with the new one and is used to service some flights, primarily budget airlines and some flights from non-Schengen countries.

The airport layout is quite simple. The departures area with most check-in counters is located on the upper floor, and the arrivals area is on the lower floor. After checking in and dropping off luggage, all passengers proceed to a unified security screening area located in Terminal 2. After screening, you enter the common "airside" area with Duty-Free shops and boarding gates that serve both terminals. Navigation is intuitive thanks to signs in Greek and English.

For a comfortable completion of all procedures, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance. In the peak season (from June to September) and during hours of mass departures, check-in and security screening may require up to 1.5–2 hours. For international flights outside the Schengen zone, allow extra time for passport control. To orient yourself, check with your airline in advance which part of the terminal complex (T1 or T2) their check-in counters are located in, although all subsequent steps will take place in the centralised zone.

The history of Thessaloniki "Makedonia" International Airport (SKG) began long before it started accepting tourist flights. Its predecessor was established as a military airfield during the First World War. However, it was opened for civil aviation significantly later — in 1948. Initially, the infrastructure was modest, but this event marked the beginning of the airfield's transformation into an important transport hub for all of northern Greece.

A key stage of development was the construction of the first passenger terminal, completed in 1965. This allowed for a significant increase in passenger flow and the commencement of international flights. In subsequent decades, the airport was repeatedly expanded and modernised to meet the growing needs of the region, especially in connection with the development of tourism on the Halkidiki peninsula. In 1993, the airport received its official name — "Makedonia", underscoring its regional significance.

The most massive transformation in the airport's recent history occurred between 2017 and 2021. As part of a major investment project managed by Fraport Greece, a second, modern terminal was built, and the old terminal was completely reconstructed and connected to the new one. This modernisation increased the airport's capacity by more than 40%, allowing it to serve up to 9 million passengers a year, and brought the level of comfort to a completely new standard.

Today, "Makedonia" airport is not just a point on the map, but the third busiest airport in Greece, playing a critically important role in the economy and tourist appeal of the region. It continues to develop, serving as an example of successful modernisation and adaptation to modern aviation industry requirements. Every year, it welcomes millions of travellers eager to discover the cultural treasures of Thessaloniki and enjoy a holiday on the coast of the Aegean Sea.

Thessaloniki International Airport "Makedonia" (SKG) offers passengers a full range of services for a comfortable wait for their flight. The terminal provides all conditions to ensure your journey begins or ends as pleasantly as possible, regardless of the purpose of your trip — be it a business meeting or a long-awaited holiday.

For those who are hungry or wish to shop, the airport operates numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants where you can find both Greek cuisine and familiar international snacks. Duty Free shops offer a wide assortment of perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, tobacco products, and souvenirs. There are also shops with local delicacies, clothing, and accessories.

To stay connected and work while waiting for departure, free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the airport. Special stations and power outlets are equipped in the waiting lounges for charging electronic devices. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort can utilise the business lounges, where one can rest, have a snack, and work in a quiet atmosphere.

Financial matters are easily resolved in the terminal: bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points are at your service. In case of necessity, a first aid station operates round-the-clock at the airport, ready to assist in any situation.

The airport cares for all categories of passengers. For travellers with children, mother and child rooms for changing and feeding are provided. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on special assistance — for this, it is necessary to notify your airline in advance. The terminal is fully equipped with ramps and lifts for convenient movement.

If you have an early departure or a long layover, several hotels offering convenient accommodation are located near the airport. For business travellers, basic office services are available in the business lounges, and specialised rooms in nearby hotels can be used for meetings or conferences.

At Thessaloniki International Airport "Makedonia" (SKG), passengers will find diverse dining options capable of satisfying any taste and budget. Whether you are looking for a quick coffee before departure or want a leisurely lunch, there is plenty to choose from both in the public area and after passing security control.

Most establishments are located in two main zones. In the public zone (landside), before passport control and screening, you will find several cafes where you can drink coffee with fresh pastries or grab a sandwich. This is a convenient option for those seeing someone off or those who arrived at the airport early. The main selection of restaurants and cafes awaits passengers in the "clean" departure zone (airside), after all formalities. Here the assortment is wider: from fast food establishments to restaurants with menu service.

While in Greece, do not miss the opportunity to enjoy local cuisine dishes. In some cafes, you can find traditional Greek pies, for example, the famous bougatsa (sweet or savoury pie with custard or cheese), which is a hallmark of Thessaloniki. Also, Greek salad, souvlaki, and other popular dishes are often present on restaurant menus. This is a wonderful chance to taste authentic flavours before departure.

For those in a hurry, fast food outlets and coffee shops offering takeaway food will be the ideal solution. Here you can buy a sandwich, salad, yoghurt, or pastry in a few minutes. If you have time before boarding, you can settle into one of the restaurants or cafes offering more substantial meals — from pasta and pizza to full hot lunches. This allows you to relax in a comfortable setting while waiting for your flight.

Passengers with special dietary needs should study the menu carefully: many establishments have vegetarian dishes, but gluten-free or vegan options are best clarified with the staff. Regarding Halal dishes, their availability is likely limited, so it is best to prepare in advance. The price range at the airport is generally higher than in the city, which is standard practice. Most cafes and restaurants in the departure zone operate from early morning until late evening, aligned with the flight schedule, and some key spots may be open 24 hours.

To ensure your journey through Thessaloniki "Makedonia" International Airport (SKG) is as comfortable as possible, consider a few points. In the high season (from June to September) and on holidays, the airport can be quite busy. We recommend arriving 2.5–3 hours before international flights and 1.5–2 hours before domestic flights or flights to Schengen countries. This will give you enough time to check luggage, pass controls, and reach the boarding gate without rushing.

To save time, use online check-in, which almost all airlines offer. This will allow you to go straight to the bag drop counter or, if you are travelling only with hand luggage, directly to security screening. When passing security control, be ready in advance to place laptops, tablets, and liquid containers (up to 100 ml each, packed in a transparent bag) into the tray.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your priorities. Window seats will give you the opportunity to admire the Aegean coast and Mount Olympus during takeoff or landing. Aisle seats provide more legroom and the ability to stand up without disturbing neighbours. Book your seat in advance if this parameter is important to you, as the best options are taken quickly.

Rules for carrying hand luggage at Thessaloniki airport are standard for the EU. All liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag with a volume of up to 1 litre. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Always check the exact allowances for hand luggage and baggage on your airline's website to avoid unpleasant surprises.

If you have a transfer in Thessaloniki, follow the "Flight Transfers" signs. If you are flying to a country outside the Schengen zone, you will need to pass passport control. Clarify with the airline at check-in whether your luggage will be transferred automatically to the final destination, or if you need to collect it and check it in again.

Customs control is organised on the principle of "green" and "red" channels. If you are arriving from an EU country and have nothing to declare, feel free to go through the "green" channel. Passengers from non-EU countries may need to pass passport control. If you are carrying goods exceeding established limits, they must be declared in the "red" channel.

To save money, bring an empty reusable water bottle with you — it can be filled at drinking fountains after passing security control. Also, consider travelling to or from the city by public transport (buses 01X (day) and 01N (night)) — this is significantly cheaper than a taxi. Pre-booking a transfer online also often helps to save money.

In case of flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative at the airport or check information on the official website and departure boards. Passengers departing from EU airports are protected by regulation EU261. Depending on the length of the delay and flight distance, you may be entitled to food, drinks, and in some cases — hotel accommodation and compensation.