A Delta Airlines aircraft. Photo credit: Delta / Facebook

Greece welcomed the first direct flight from the US since 2020 on Saturday as the coronavirus pandemic began.

The flight was full of passengers and took off from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Roberto Ioriatti, Delta Senior Vice President, commented on this milestone for this year’s tourist season: “American are actively looking for new adventures in 2021 and the mix of ancient sites and island resorts makes Greece a popular choice. “

GREECE
🏠 Quarantine: Not required
🧪 COVID-19 test: Required <72 hours prior to arrival
đź“‹ Forms: Passenger Location Form (PLF) required> 1 day
âś… Exceptions: Fully vaccinated or previously infected with COVID-19 passengers are exempt from all COVID tests pic.twitter.com/oppLainxE4

– Delta (@Delta) May 28, 2021

Ioanna Papadopoulou, Director of Communication and Marketing at Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport in Athens, said on her behalf: “The direct connection between the airport, our city and our country with the United States of America begins today with Delta’s flight to and from New York- JFK and is a very important development for our airport. “

Comment on the landing of the first direct flight from the USA to Greece since 2020, American Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt “The resumption of flights to Greece by US airlines, including Delta, is an important step in enabling families to be together again, tourists to explore this beautiful country, and businesses to renew their investment relationships on both sides of the Atlantic.”

The resumption of flights to Greece by US airlines, including Delta, is an important step in enabling families to be together again, tourists to explore this beautiful country, and businesses to renew their investment relationships on both sides of the Atlantic. https://t.co/MR4PtdgEZo

– Geoffrey Pyatt (@USAmbPyatt) May 30, 2021

US travel interest in Greece explodes

US travel interest in Greece has skyrocketed, US Ambassador to Greece Geoffrey Pyatt said on Wednesday as American Airlines responds to the demand with a new summer flight between Athens and New York’s JFK Airport.

American Airlines stands ready to turn on all Brenner on its return to Greece in 2021 with up to three flights a day, connecting Athens to the United States of America after a punishing tourist season in 2020.

American demand for travel to Greece has skyrocketed due to the positive messages the Greek tourism authorities have sent to the world, including effectively addressing the pandemic, the priority the Greek government has given the Greek government Vaccination of residents of the islands and tourism workers in tourism.

Establishing effective health protocols also appears to be a key factor in the huge interest in Greece as a summer travel destination, according to the US Ambassador.

Speaking at American Airlines event to celebrate the launch of daily direct flights from New York, Chicago and Philadelphia Pyatt said Americans are excited to discover a secret that everyone here knows: that this country’s crystal clear waters and sparkling beaches, its mountain trails, its ancient monuments and museums, and its rare, shining light are very special.

The ambassador noted the “record nine daily direct flights from US airlines to Greece” and welcomed the efforts of airlines such as AA to increase the number of direct daily flights between Greece and the US.