From Final Flight to Futuristic City: The Ellinikon's Aviation Legacy and Athens' New Era

The 21st century began with a burst of infrastructure projects in Greece.

This included the 2000 metro system and the 2004 Athens Olympics. Crucially, the Athens aviation transformation centered on a new airport.

The End of an Era: Ellinikon's Last Takeoff

On March 27, 2001, a significant chapter closed for Greek aviation. An Olympic Airways Boeing 737, named Nireas, conducted the final commercial departure from Ellinikon International Airport on the southern coast of Athens.

This flight to Thessaloniki symbolized a major shift. The next day, March 28, 2001, the new Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH) in Spata began operations.

This move was vital for Athens' growth. The old airport was constrained by the city basin. The new airport provided essential space for metropolitan expansion. The Ellinikon site, once a bustling hub for Olympic Airways, was left decommissioned.

Crisis, Comeback, and the Ellinikon Vision

The city's initial comeback quickly faced severe challenges. Widespread destruction followed the 2008 financial crisis and civil unrest. The 2012 arson attack on the Attikon Cinema marked a low point.

However, a gradual return to stability followed. A post-crisis tourism surge became an economic lifeline for Greece.

International tourism has since skyrocketed. Athens is now a year-round destination, not just a stopover. Projections for 2025 anticipate up to 10 million visitors to the capital.

This new economic cycle laid the groundwork for the old airport’s rebirth. The Ellinikon International Airport redevelopment is now one of Europe's largest urban regeneration projects.

A New Metropolitan Center

Plans for The Ellinikon envision a "model" seaside smart city. It will feature over 25,000 permanent residents and attract 40,000 daily visitors. The project is expected to contribute 2.4% to Greece’s GDP. It is also projected to create 70,000 to 80,000 new jobs.

Major global architectural firms are involved in the design. Foster+Partners created the master plan and the Riviera Tower. The tower is set to become Greece’s first skyscraper by 2026.

Other notable architects include Kengo Kuma and Bjarke Ingels. This development, along with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center by Renzo Piano, signals a new era of architectural ambition.

The Challenge of Gentrification and Overtourism

The tourism boom has fueled an Athenian variant of urban gentrification Athens. Areas like Psyrri and Gazi have seen property values and rent prices rise sharply.

While tourism aids Greece economic recovery, it creates new social challenges. Concerns about overtourism and a housing crisis are growing. Authorities are now seeking a balance. They must protect local communities while sustaining economic growth. This is a common challenge for major metropolitan centers. For the latest commercial aviation news and analysis, visit flying.flights.

• The Ellinikon project transforms the former airport into a smart, sustainable city.
• The development is expected to contribute 2.4% to Greek GDP and create up to 80,000 jobs.
• The shift from the Ellinikon to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport in 2001 was a prerequisite for Athens' modern expansion.
• Post-crisis tourism has surged, but it now drives urban gentrification and overtourism concerns.