Despite the full operational readiness of Hellenic Seaplanes, the completion of a lengthy and complex licensing process, and the scheduling of flights to 28 approved destinations, the negative opinions of the Port Authorities in Milos and Santorini exclude two of the country’s most popular tourist islands from the national seaplane flight network…!

Greece is preparing to spread its wings in a magical way – reconnecting sea and air through the unique travel mode of seaplanes. Hellenic Seaplanes announces the completion of the first phase of its flight preparation for the summer of 2025, launching its digital booking platform and planning flights that will transform the map of accessibility to the Greek islands and remote areas.

Hellenic Seaplane’s current flight network includes flights based in Athens, Skyros, and Ioannina, covering a wide range of destinations such as Alimos, Patras, Chios, Psara, Tinos, Leros, Patmos, Paxoi, Skopelos, Alonnisos, Corfu, Samothrace, Volos, Amfilochia, Alexandroupoli, the Athenian Riviera, Mathraki, Othonoi, Kalamata, and other regions. The flights serve existing waterways, approved water landing sites, as well as airports, which can be used thanks to the amphibious nature of the company’s aircraft. The network is designed to enhance island connectivity and provide reliable, safe, and flexible transportation throughout the year.

This is a network that not only connects destinations – but also connects lives, communities, islands, business activities, and tourist experiences. Each flight is not just a transfer, but an experience that begins the moment of takeoff over the sea and ends with a smooth landing on the water in some of the most enchanting location in Greece.

At the same time, however, two of the most touristic and key island destinations – Milos and Santorini – are excluded from the flight network, as the operation of water runways was not approved, with local authorities citing safety concerns.

This development seems paradoxical: in port cities like Copenhagen in Denmark, Vancouver in Canada, Sydney in Australia, or Miami in the United States, seaplanes take off and land daily in some of the busiest harbors in the world, carrying out hundreds of flights every day. And yet, in Greece—a country defined by tourism and island connectivity—two iconic destinations, Milos and Santorini, do not allow the operation of seaplanes.

“Hellenic Seaplanes strictly adheres to all international safety standards, employs specialized and certified personnel, and operates in full compliance with both European and Greek legislation. However, the issue is not safety — it is the lack of knowledge and the increased caution and fear of assuming responsibility by public authorities — especially in sectors related to transportation and safety following serious accidents, such as the Tempi tragedy.

We must not swing to the opposite extreme, where every development project is sacrificed under the pretext of safety. Safety is non-negotiable — but it must be based on informed knowledge, not fear.

As Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Mr. Stefanos Gikas rightly stated, the personnel involved in seaports and harbors must be properly trained and informed. Because if the Port Authorities continue to issue negative opinions out of fear or uncertainty, the country will not be able to leverage a comparative advantage granted by its geography.

Hellenic Seaplanes, both in the past and today, has proposed — fully funded through its own resources — the execution of special demonstration flights, aiming to involve and board members of the Hellenic Coast Guard and other stakeholders involved in the licensing process. The purpose of this initiative is for the competent authorities to observe firsthand the operation of seaplanes, to understand their technical specificities and advantages, and above all, to become familiar with their safe and compatible presence in port areas. Through experience and knowledge, the foundations are laid for informed decision-making and effective cooperation for the benefit of island Greece.

Statement by the Chairman & CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes, Mr. Nikolas Charalambous

“Seaplanes are not just a means of transportation. They are a part of Greek aviation history making a dynamic comeback, signaling the beginning of a new era of innovation, connectivity, and sustainable development. Their reappearance in Greece is not only a tribute to the past — it is a bold statement about the future.

The operation of seaplanes will create hundreds of new jobs, directly and indirectly strengthen the local and regional economy, and act as a catalyst for attracting investments, especially in areas such as the Athens Riviera, mainland regions with lakes, and the Greek islands.