Famous European city's airport to make huge change so tourists can 'skip queues'

A popular European airport has launched an off-airport check-in for cruise passengers.

Athens airport has introduced the measures which it hopes will have a positive effect on each traveller’s decision to visit the city again.

With the number of cruise passengers increasing in recent years, it is hoped the service will speed up and simplify the airport check-in procedures and improve customer’s experience when transiting through.

Under the “off-airport check-in” system, arriving cruise passengers in Athens will be shuttled directly to their cruise ship, with Skyserv and Swissport Greece managing their luggage separately. The luggage will be transported via trucks to the airport’s apron for direct aircraft loading.

Alexios Sioris, manager of ground handling and cargo development at Athens airport said: “We are particularly happy about this new off-airport check-in process, as it already contributes to decongesting the passenger terminal during peak hours, thus improving the travel experience of cruise passengers and the general travelling public.

At the same time, this new service, following the track of the freight connection between the airport and the Port of Piraeus, is an example of a cooperative approach of all those involved.”

Likewise, when leaving the country, cruise ship passengers will receive their flight boarding pass upon exiting the ship, greatly simplifying the departure process and giving them more free time during their stay.

At the same time, the checked-in luggage will be transported from Piraeus directly to the airport apron by trucks, where it will be loaded onto the aircraft after the necessary x-ray security check.

Athens is a popular tourist destination for British tourists enticed by its ancient monuments and historical sites.

Unlike many popular city destinations, Athens remains affordable according to research by the Post Office Travel Money.

The city is also in the midst of significant investment in its tourist infrastructure, including the €8 billion redevelopment of Old Athens airport, a new £1.26 billion underground line and a €300 million renovation of The National Archaeological Museum.

Cruise around the Greek islands continue to be a popular choice of holiday for travellers from all over the world, but are said to be contributing to the problem of overtourism in the country.

Earlier this year, Santorini’s mayor, Nikos Zorzos said that the number of cruise passengers should not exceed 8,000 per day, whilst other destinations have imposed taxes for cruise ship passengers.