Changes are coming at the Eleftherios Venizelos Airport as of June 7, 2023. The automatic system with bars will be put into operation in the sections of access roads, in order to avoid congestion due to vehicle parking.
The form of access for vehicles in front of the Departures and Arrivals areas (passenger embarkation and disembarkation points respectively) is modified so that everyone can receive and dismiss travelers with peace of mind and safety.
Specifically, in the road accesses in front of the Main Airport Building in Departures and Arrivals Controlled access points with tilting bars have been installed through which all vehicles will pass to drop off and pick up passengers.
Drivers will have a 10-minute stay and up to 2 crossings per day at the road points of embarkation and disembarkation of passengers, in Arrivals and Departures respectively, to pick up and drop off passengers.
According to studies, this time is considered sufficient and is equivalent to the time available at many European airports. After 10 minutes, for the additional stay of the vehicles, there will be a charge.
What changes in the process?
The procedure is simple and applies to both the Departures landing area and the Arrivals boarding area:
- You stop in front of the bar.
- The camera reads the car’s front license plate while you press the ticket button and pick up the ticket.
- The bar opens and you enter the controlled access area.
- You park in specially designated short-term parking spaces, on the right or left side of the road and have a FREE 10′ stop to say goodbye or welcome your traveler.
- Then you head to the exit and stop at the bars.
- Scan your ticket in the machine and while your stay is up to 10′, the bar will open and you can leave for free.
What you need to know about fees
In case of remaining in the controlled access area for more than 10′ there will be a corresponding charge:
- 10 additional minutes: €5 (After the first 10 minutes and up to 20 minutes, charge of €5),
- From 20′: 1 euro/minute.
- Payment is made at the machine with cash or card.
- The maximum time spent in the area cannot exceed 60 minutes.
- For vehicles that are going to remain for more than 1 hour, it is planned to remove them from the area with a tow truck.
We note that the KOK applies to specific areas. and in accordance with the law, in the event that the driver does not pay for the overstay, he will receive a notice of payment of the amount from the Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA).
Where is this process headed?
The goal of the new process is not to charge and overcharge users; instead, the simple process aims to quickly adapt drivers to a more functional and fair use of spaces for all.
Correct driving behavior and safety are the main components of the logic of the interventions and, in this context, the amounts that may come from non-compliance by drivers and excessive time, will be allocated by the AIA for planning, support and program implementation. of the Road Safety Institute “Panos Mylonas”.
Examining and evaluating international experience, dealing with traffic problems with similar systems is a widespread and successful practice at most major European airports, which achieved very high driver compliance rates in a short period of time, resulting in in the decongestion of vehicle transit areas.
Special provisions will apply to travelers with reduced mobility and greater needs.
At the same time, the provision of free parking time in Short Term Parking Lots 1 and 2 for 20 minutes will continue to apply to everyone.
During the period of familiarization and adaptation to this new practice and experience that we are sure will improve the experience of drivers and travelers, the airport will be available to the public as always, both with guidance at service points and through all communication channels. AIA communication, which provide all relevant useful information.
What about taxis?
Taxi drivers who go to the airport to pick up travelers will also have a specific waiting time. They have to park in a certain area of the airport and wait for a certain time, otherwise they will be charged… extra.
Many professional drivers are already reacting because they consider that this will, on the one hand, be a burden and additional operating cost, and on the other hand, it will reduce their work.