Sky Express continues its expansion in the French market with the launch of a year-round service between Lyon and Athens. According to a press release issued on February 25, 2026, the Greek airline will operate this new route from December 15, 2025, with two weekly flights on Mondays and Fridays. This initiative is part of a deliberate strategy to strengthen regional connectivity to Greece.
Summary
An annual service from Lyon
Since December 15, 2025, Sky Express has been connecting Lyon to Athens year-round. Lyon thus becomes the airline's second French gateway to the Greek capital after Paris CDG, which has been served daily since 2021.
Beyond point-to-point service, this route provides access to Sky Express's Greek domestic network, touted as the most extensive on the market with 33 domestic destinations. Via the Athens hub, connections notably cover the Cyclades, Crete, the Dodecanese, Northern Greece, and Cyprus (Larnaca).
A positioning focused on connectivity and B2B
On February 24, over 130 tourism professionals gathered in Lyon for an evening event organized in partnership with the Hellenic National Tourism Organization, Lyon Airport, and the Domes hotel chain. According to the press release, the event aimed to raise awareness of the new route among the trade and support its distribution.
The company promotes a so-called "best value" strategy, combining competitive pricing and quality of service, with free check-in, products adapted to the leisure and business segments, as well as a "BLISS" business class to and from Athens.
Jean Brajon, Managing Director of Sky Express France, stated: “The opening of the Lyon–Athens route marks a key milestone in the development of Sky Express in France and strengthens our regional presence following the success of Paris CDG. This route provides direct and efficient access to the whole of Greece thanks to our Athens hub and our domestic network.”
Key points on Sky Express
| Element | Data provided |
|---|---|
| Launch date Lyon–Athens | December 15, 2025 |
| Frequency | 2 flights per week (Monday and Friday) |
| Home network | 33 destinations in Greece |
| International destinations | 27 |
| Fleet | 29 aircraft (including Airbus A320neo and A321neo) |
What this changes for professionals
- An annual connection from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region to Athens.
- Direct access to the Greek domestic network via a single hub.
- A regional alternative to Parisian departures for island-hopping holidays.
- A strengthening of the Greek offering in the leisure and business segment.
- A structured commercial presence via GDS, agency portal and dedicated support.
According to the press release, regional connectivity is now a strategic growth driver for European airlines. With this year-round service, Sky Express is consolidating its presence in France and strengthening its position on routes between Greece and major regional hubs.
Sources
Sky express press release – February 25, 2026
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