The first seaplane port in the Northern Aegean has been licensed through a Joint Ministerial Decision, granting Hellenic Seaplanes’ subsidiary the right to establish a seaplane port at Chios Port. This milestone brings seaplanes one step closer to the Northern Aegean, signaling the dawn of a new era for rapid transportation to the island famous for its mastic production.

With the approval of the establishment license, the infrastructure is now able to begin the construction of the required facilities for the seaplane port, in order to subsequently obtain an operating license within the year.

Previously, the company Ydatodromia Chios, Psara, and Oinousses IKE, a subsidiary of Hellenic Seaplanes, ran the procedures in collaboration with the Chios Intermunicipal Port Fund to achieve the desired result of licensing the seaplane port. Combined with the already licensed water fields in Psara and Chios, a small and sustainable network of infrastructure is being steadily formed, which can support seaplane operations for scheduled and charter flights between neighboring ports and airports, as well as for sightseeing flights.

Securing the Future of Seaplanes in Chios, Psara, Oinousses, and Lesvos
Hellenic Seaplanes’ flight route plan to the Northern Aegean islands, and possibly even to the Turkish coasts, is now taking shape, based on destinations that will soon host seaplane stations in their ports.

With the start of construction of the land and water facilities in Chios, further developments are expected for the establishment of seaplane ports in Psara and Oinousses, as well as in Lesvos, which already has a licensed water field at the Petra Port and is expected to acquire an additional water field in Plomari and a seaplane port in Mytilene, the island’s capital.

All of the aforementioned projects bear the signature of Hellenic Seaplanes, which is preparing to make a strong entry into the tourist season by launching seaplane operations from the Ionian Sea and Corfu, and later expanding its activity in the Aegean and the Sporades with an enhanced fleet of aircraft.

“Blue Development” in the Aegean with Licensed Seaplane Port Infrastructure and More to Come
The infrastructure in the Aegean unlocks new transport gateways and creates opportunities for passengers to enrich their travel habits.

 In the Sporades and Central Greece, the water airport in Skyros, with completed land and water facilities, and in Skopelos and Alonissos, are now in the process of obtaining operating licenses after securing water fields for the last two islands.

In Hellenic Seaplanes’ portfolio of projects for establishing water airports, following the licenses granted in Volos, Kymi, Aliveri, and Aidipsos, the water airports in Karystos and Chalkida are next in line, with the only pending step being the preparation of the necessary Joint Ministerial Decision from the relevant ministries. The company is also proceeding with the licensing process for water fields in Sifnos, Alimos, Eretria, Kymi, Chalkida, Karystos, and Aidipsos.

Particularly important are the cases of Tinos and Patmos. Patmos recently obtained the first approved water field in the Dodecanese, while Tinos is following the same path for its corresponding infrastructure, with both seaplane ports in the Cyclades islands close to receiving their operating licenses, which will allow seaplanes to land at their ports.

Former Minister and Member of Parliament for Chios, Mr. Notis Mitarachi, stated in a press release that the seaplane port licensing decision is “an extremely important step, which will further facilitate travel between the islands for residents and visitors, while also providing an additional option and approach to our island.”

After the announcement of the seaplane port licensing in Chios, Hellenic Seaplanes CEO, Mr. Nicolas Charalambous, commented:
“We are pleased to welcome the island of Chios to our network, while simultaneously enhancing the prospects for seeing seaplanes flying over the Northern Aegean. We believe that seaplanes can play an important role in the seaplane port network of Chios, Psara, Oinousses, and Lesvos, as they will serve both locals and tourists with fast, comfortable flights from Greece and the Turkish coasts. By dramatically reducing travel time to and from Chios, the island enters a new era and gains a significant tourism boost, which it truly deserves!

The creation of water airports on islands that lack traditional air infrastructure or regular transport services will contribute to a significant number of social emergency services, such as the transport of patients and essential goods. The rapid licensing process now confirms this new investment activity, highlighting the multiple benefits such an investment would have for the Greek economy, such as creating jobs, regional development, infrastructure and network growth, as well as the positive impact it will have on the domestic tourism industry.”