**SKY Express accelerates in France, betting on Greece's lasting appeal** Greek carrier SKY Express has recorded a sharp increase in activity on the French market in the first quarter of 2026, driven by the persistent attractiveness of Greece. In a competitive environment marked by rising costs, the airline is focusing on network expansion and a pricing policy without fuel surcharges. **Sustained growth on the France–Greece market** SKY Express confirms its foothold in the French market. In the first quarter of 2026, the airline carried 27.1% more passengers between France and Greece compared to the same period in 2025, according to a statement. This growth is accompanied by a 19.5% increase in capacity (seats offered) and a 33.3% rise in revenue on this segment, reflecting both strong demand and improved yield. This dynamic fits into a broader trend: Greece ranks among the most sought-after destinations for French travelers for summer 2026. According to several tourism demand analyses cited by Atout France or ForwardKeys, the country benefits from a favorable position compared to other Mediterranean destinations, particularly in terms of perceived safety, diversity of offerings, and value for money. **Lyon–Athens, a driver of expansion** Among the growth factors, the opening of the year-round Lyon–Athens route appears decisive. This link enhances direct accessibility to Greece from a major French regional metropolis, an axis still relatively sparse compared to Paris. More broadly, SKY Express is gradually expanding its French network, with a presence now established at Paris-CDG, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes, and Lille. For the summer 2026 season, the airline notably offers: Paris CDG–Athens (daily, year-round), Paris CDG–Heraklion (4 flights/week, extended until end of November), Lyon–Athens (2 flights/week, year-round), Lyon–Heraklion (2 flights/week, until end of November), Marseille–Heraklion (2 flights/week, seasonal), Nantes–Heraklion (2 flights/week, until end of November), and Lille–Heraklion (1 flight/week, seasonal). The extension of several routes to Heraklion until autumn illustrates a de-seasonalization strategy, in line with evolving travel behaviors. **A pricing position without fuel surcharges** In a sector marked by the return of fuel surcharges, SKY Express states it does not pass on kerosene price increases to its tickets. "The ticket booked by a passenger is the final price, with no fuel-related fees added after purchase," emphasizes Gerasimos Skaltsas, SKY Express's commercial director, in a statement. This policy, called "Travel Serenely with SKY," aims to enhance pricing transparency in a context of cost volatility. It also serves as a commercial argument against traditional and low-cost carriers, some of which regularly adjust their fares through surcharges. **A strategy based on domestic connectivity** Beyond point-to-point traffic, SKY Express capitalizes on its dense domestic network—33 destinations in Greece—to feed its international routes. From Athens, the airline's main hub, passengers can reach destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, or Chania in under an hour. This model allows capturing international clientele seeking quick connections to the islands, as an alternative to often longer sea links. The airline operates a fleet of 29 aircraft, notably including Airbus A320neo/A321neo (14 units) and ATR 72-600 (10 units) and ATR 42-500, enabling it to adapt capacities between domestic and international routes.