Greece air fares face pressure as jet fuel costs climb, demand holds

Travellers heading to Greece should expect air fares to stay under pressure from rising fuel costs, even as demand for flights to the country holds firm. Jet fuel prices have doubled over the past year, and major European airline groups have warned of new ticket price increases in the near future.

Key facts

• Jet fuel reached €4.29 per gallon on 9 October 2026, up 2% in two weeks, according to Eurocontrol data
• The October average is €4.22 per gallon, 2.5% above September's average of €4.12 per gallon
• Jet fuel prices have doubled year-on-year
• Aegean carried 7.8 million passengers in the first half of 2026, up 3% on the same period in 2025
• Greece's 2026 air traffic growth forecast was revised up by 3.1 percentage points
• Flights in Greece are expected to grow 6.9% in 2027

What is happening with air fares?

The price of aircraft fuel climbed to €4.29 per gallon on 9 October, Eurocontrol data shows, a 2% rise in two weeks. The average for October to date stands at €4.22 per gallon, 2.5% higher than September's monthly average of €4.12 per gallon.

On an annual basis, jet fuel prices have doubled, defying earlier expectations that the market would stabilise. Those higher fuel costs are already being reflected in fares, and major European airline groups have warned of further ticket price increases in the near future.

Is demand for travel to Greece falling?

No. Demand for travel to Greece remains at steady levels despite the more expensive fares, and the picture is positive at Greek airports. Aegean, Greece's largest carrier, transported 7.8 million passengers in the first half of the year, an increase of 3% compared with the corresponding period in 2025.

Aegean chairman Eftychis Vassilakis said the company is closely monitoring developments and will adjust its planning depending on the course of prices and conditions.

What is the outlook for flights to Greece?

Eurocontrol's recent forecast for 2026-2032 estimates that air traffic growth in Greece will be stronger than initially projected. Growth for 2026 has been revised upward by 3.1 percentage points compared with the previous estimate, and the number of flights in Greece is expected to increase by 6.9% in 2027.

At European level, by contrast, the forecast for traffic growth in 2026 was revised downward, with a gradual recovery expected in 2027.

What this means for travellers

Flights to Greece remain in strong demand and more services are expected, but the cost of flying is rising with fuel prices. Travellers comparing fares for Greek destinations should factor in the possibility of further increases flagged by European airline groups.

The source does not give specific fare levels, individual airline surcharges or dates for any price changes. Eurocontrol's forecast period runs to 2032, with the next figures to watch being the 2027 flight growth projections.