Global travelers heading to the Greek islands now have a streamlined travel experience thanks to a strategic codeshare agreement between Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and SKY express, Greece’s largest domestic carrier. Launched in full as of July 14, 2025, the partnership allows for single-ticket bookings and smooth baggage transfers from international Etihad flights directly onto SKY express’s extensive island-hopping network, through a central hub in Athens.
This aviation collaboration strengthens Greece’s position as a premier gateway to the Eastern Mediterranean, enhancing access to major islands including Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini, and Kos, as well as lesser-known gems like Paros, Naxos, and Corfu. It also provides connections to cities like Thessaloniki, creating a robust and highly integrated travel network that’s expected to significantly boost tourism and local economies across the region.
Unlocking Island Travel with a Single Booking
Thanks to the new agreement, travelers booking Etihad flights to Athens from across the UAE, Europe, Asia, and beyond can now continue seamlessly to any of 24 Greek islands or three major cities served by SKY express. This unified ticketing system means no separate domestic booking is required, with check-in, security procedures, and baggage transfer fully coordinated between the two airlines.
The partnership not only simplifies travel logistics but enhances efficiency and reduces layover times in Athens. Travelers can book the entire journey via Etihad’s website or mobile app, or through authorized travel agents, eliminating the need for multiple bookings and increasing travel convenience.
Athens Reinforced as a Strategic Aviation Hub
The codeshare further positions Athens International Airport as a key transit point between long-haul Etihad flights and regional destinations served by SKY express. Greece’s capital, already a major gateway between Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Europe, now stands to gain even more prominence as a hub for multi-leg itineraries.
Athens’s role as a connector will encourage increased airport traffic, foster aviation-sector job growth, and promote investments into infrastructure and tourism services. The partnership also aligns with broader Greek tourism strategies emphasizing sustainable regional dispersal—drawing visitors beyond overburdened hotspots and into lesser-traveled locales.
Expanding Regional Access and Tourism Impact
Greece continues to solidify its status as a top-tier tourism destination, attracting over 32 million international visitors in 2023, according to the Bank of Greece. The new codeshare seeks to distribute that tourism more equitably, encouraging exploration beyond Athens and Santorini. It supports smaller, under-visited islands with increased air access, stimulating local hospitality, gastronomy, and cultural sectors.
Etihad benefits by expanding its reach without the need to launch additional domestic services, while SKY express taps into Etihad’s global market. This cross-leverage creates commercial and marketing synergies with long-term potential in loyalty programs, seasonal route development, and joint promotions.
According to the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority, air travel remains the dominant mode of transport to Greece’s more remote islands. With cruise travel under increasing environmental scrutiny, the Etihad–SKY express model provides a more sustainable alternative that supports regional development and lessens strain on high-traffic ports.
Eastern Mediterranean Opportunities Open Up
Beyond Greece, the codeshare also connects travelers to other Eastern Mediterranean cities, paving the way for extended itineraries that include historical, cultural, and religious destinations off the typical tourist radar. These may include cities in Cyprus, Turkey, and Israel, accessible from Athens through SKY express or additional local partners.
For Etihad, this cooperation fits within a broader strategy to increase regional connectivity while maintaining fleet efficiency. Instead of expanding their domestic operations in Europe, the carrier is investing in agile partnerships that enhance customer experience and global network utility.
The Future of Aviation Cooperation in the Region
Both airlines are exploring further integration opportunities, including joint loyalty rewards, year-round route optimization, and multi-destination packages that appeal to luxury, adventure, and culture-focused travelers. The collaboration is a forward-looking example of how codeshare alliances can overcome structural limitations while opening new revenue and passenger flow avenues.
This agreement also comes at a time of renewed interest in Mediterranean travel from the Gulf and Asia-Pacific markets. Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub remains a vital bridge for high-spending tourists seeking seamless, aspirational travel to Europe.
Conclusion: Greece Now Closer Than Ever
From Crete to Corfu, Santorini to Paros, Greece’s island wonders are now easier to explore thanks to the Etihad–SKY express codeshare. With a simplified, one-ticket journey, travelers can experience the diversity, beauty, and charm of the Greek archipelago with fewer barriers and greater comfort.
This new aviation bridge doesn’t just enhance convenience—it redefines Greece as a year-round, multi-destination travel experience accessible to the world. The Etihad–SKY express agreement marks a new era for regional travel, offering value, variety, and vision for future travelers and tourism economies alike.
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