Itea is now connected to Athens in just 20 minutes, opening new prospects for mobility and tourism development for Phocis and Delphi.

 A new chapter for transportation and tourism in Central Greece has begun with the first seaplane landing at the port of Itea. The flight, operated by Hellenic Seaplanes, marks the strengthening of seaplane presence in the Phocis region and the further development of the national seaplane transport network.

The flight took off from Megara to Itea and lasted approximately 20 minutes, highlighting the potential for a direct and fast connection between the region and Athens, as well as other major tourist destinations in Greece.

This particular flight was conducted as a familiarization and operational verification, demonstrating in practice that the port of Itea can serve as another key point in the expanding seaplane network being developed across Greece.

Onboard the flight were the Mayor of Delphi, Mr. Panagiotis Tagalis, the Chairwoman of the Itea Port Authority, Ms. Sofia Anagnostakou and the President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes, Mr. Nicolas Charalambous.

 The mission was also accompanied by Mr. Eric Lithun, CEO and founder of the Norwegian company NOEMI Aerospace, which is developing zero-emission electric seaplanes. This visit is part of the collaboration with Hellenic Seaplanes for the acquisition of next-generation aircraft and the promotion of green aviation in Greece.

The seaplane and its passengers were welcomed at the port of Itea by a large crowd of citizens, as well as by the Deputy Minister of Justice and Member of Parliament for Phocis, Mr. Ioannis Bougas, and the Regional Deputy Governor of Phocis, Mr. Georgios Delmouzos. Their presence underscored the support of the Hellenic State and the Region of Central Greece for the development of the seaplane network and new forms of transportation in the area.

The development of seaplane flights in Itea takes on particular significance, as the area serves as the maritime gateway to the archaeological site of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important international cultural destinations.

Seaplanes represent a modern and flexible mode of transport that can significantly enhance regional connectivity, support tourism, and create new opportunities for local community development.

Statements

Ioannis Bougas – Deputy Minister of Justice
«The operation of seaplanes creates new connectivity opportunities for Phocis and the wider Central Greece region. Itea and Erateini have already welcomed seaplanes, and soon other ports in our prefecture may follow. This is a modern mode of transport that shortens distances and boosts tourism and the local economy»

Panagiotis Tagalis – Mayor of Delphi
«The Municipality of Delphi is investing in outward-looking initiatives and the adoption of new forms of transportation. Seaplanes can play a key role in connecting our coastal areas with major urban and tourist centers, creating new development prospects for the region».

Sofia Anagnostakou – Chairwoman of the Itea Port Authority
«The reception of seaplanes represents an important step in expanding the activities of the port of Itea. The area demonstrates that it can support modern forms of transportation, strengthening its role as a maritime gateway for development».

Nicolas Charalambous – President & CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes
«The arrival of the seaplane in Itea confirms that Central Greece can become a dynamic hub in the country’s expanding seaplane network. The region has ports with significant potential, which can be quickly connected to Athens as well as other tourist destinations. Our goal is for seaplanes to create new opportunities for transportation and development for local communities».

Hellenic Seaplanes is developing the seaplane network in Greece, aiming to create a modern maritime air transport system that connects ports, islands, and tourist destinations across the country, contributing to improved regional connectivity and supporting tourism growth.