After Patmos, Volos receives approval for sea plane flights, and simultaneously, the Peloponnese Region begins the licensing process for three water airports and one water field. Ermioni, Monemvasia, Gythio, and Paralio Astros are now racing to be ready for the new summer season and to be included in the Peloponnese’s water airport network!

The Peloponnese Region is significantly expanding the water airport network with the latest assignment for the licensing of infrastructure for sea plane operations in Ermioni, Monemvasia, Gythio, and Paralio Astros. It is important to note that in the Peloponnese, Kalamata and Kyllini have been licensed, and the construction of infrastructure for obtaining their operating licenses has already started, while Nafplio, Nea Kios, and Lake Taka are in the final stage of licensing.

Hellenic Seaplanes has planned operational operations for an additional twelve (12) destinations (water airports and water fields) in the Peloponnese, including Katakolo, Pylos, Elafonisos, Xylokastro, Lake Kaiafa, Aegio, Epidavros, and Corinth.

These destinations will play a crucial role in the Peloponnese network, as, along with the already operational water airport in Patras, they will serve flights to the Ionian, Crete, Attica, the South Aegean, and Central Greece.

These latest developments bring the Peloponnese Region back into the spotlight of water airports, as stated by Deputy Regional Governor Tasos Ganos, who adds:
“The realization of the Peloponnese water airport network is the result of the shared persistence and vision of both the Region and the Local Government Organizations. The key leader in the creation of water airports in the Peloponnese is the Regional Governor of Peloponnese, Mr. Nikas, along with the entire administration and personnel of the Region who believed in the vision and dynamics of sea planes, as well as the prospects that water airports will bring to Peloponnese…”

In a related statement, the Regional Governor of Peloponnese, Mr. Panagiotis Nikas, said:
“The creation of a water airport network will be a key pillar of development for the Peloponnese, while also improving its ports, as with the arrival of sea planes at the water airports, passenger flights will be operated from/to other nearby areas and to the islands of the Ionian and Aegean. We have the opportunity to leverage the unique advantages that make the Peloponnese special on the tourist map, and with the creation of the water airport network, bring sea planes and their transport capacity to the waters of our Region.”

Investor Mr. Dimitris Rigas, who has completed the water airport in Skyros in collaboration with Hellenic Seaplanes and plans to participate in the Ermionida water airport project, also reinforces his faith in the potential of sea planes and water airports:
“…The water airport network in the Peloponnese will contribute to the tourist and broader economic development of the region. The benefits for society and tourism will be many, and I will be one of the pioneers in this sector…”

Focus now on Volos, the Sporades, and Evia!
Everything seems to be on track in Thessaly regarding its water airport network, as Volos received approval for sea plane flights in recent days, and the construction of water airports at the ports of Alonissos and Skopelos is expected to begin.

After the approval of the flights, the CEO of Volos Port Authority (OLV S.A.), Mr. Socrates Anagnostou, stated:
“We are pleased to have received approval for sea plane flights at the water field of Volos Port and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of sea planes at our port. After a long period of effort and persistence, and after receiving the first permit for establishment in Thessaly, Volos Port Authority, in collaboration with Hellenic Seaplanes, is entering the sea plane industry, serving thousands of passengers. It is encouraging that the construction process for the remaining water airports at the ports of the Sporades is almost complete, and we aim for 2023 to be the year of sea plane operations, so that Greek and international tourists will experience first-hand the multi-use capabilities and benefits sea planes offer in their transportation…”

Hellenic Seaplanes has “highlighted” these destinations in its flight plan, and, along with the already constructed Skyros water airport and the six destinations in Evia (Chalkida, Kyme, Karystos, Aidipsos, Eretria, and Aliveri), it aims to begin flights in the upcoming tourist season.

From Chios to Crete with sea planes!
Meanwhile, developments are also underway in the Northern Aegean, as the Decision for the Approval of Environmental Terms (AEPO) for Chios’ water airport has been announced, and it is now awaiting the Joint Ministerial Decision (KYA) from the relevant ministries to officially integrate the project into the national water airport network. In addition to the water airport, the creation of a water field is also planned for Chios, and similar licenses will soon be issued for the islands of Oinousses and Psara.

The development of water airports and water fields at other destinations, including Alimos, Tinos, Amfilochia, Mytilene, Itea, and Sitia, is progressing steadily. In the near future, the 30 water airports of the South Aegean will be added to the national network, ensuring the interconnection of all South Aegean islands with each other and with the ports of Greece.

Regarding the developmental progress of the infrastructure that will support Hellenic Seaplanes’ plan, the President and CEO of the company, Mr. Nicolas Charalambous, commented:
“We continue to methodically build our network, ensuring a cluster of water airports that will meet passengers’ needs for quick air transportation from port to port with Hellenic Seaplanes. The licensing process for water airports and water fields is advancing dynamically, overcoming past obstacles through cooperation with the relevant authorities, ministries, and services. Hellenic Seaplanes is preparing to spread its wings, and the positive developments in the infrastructure network of Peloponnese, the Sporades, and other destinations that are receiving approvals give us the optimism we need to move forward with greater determination for the future.”