The construction of the Kymi water airport is ready to begin and to be integrated into the country’s network of water airports, while the infrastructure in Chalkida, Aidipsos, Karystos, and Aliveri is nearing licensing.

2023 started off strong for the seaplane and water airport industry in Greece, as the Licensing Decision for the Kymi Water Airport was announced with a joint ministerial decision from the Ministries of Transport and Infrastructure, Shipping and Island Policy, and Finance.

The Kymi water airport is the first of the five water airports in Evia to receive the green light for licensing, putting the island on the map of water airports and establishing a strong foundation to be one of the first regions in Greece to host seaplanes.

The licensing will belong to the Port Authority of the Evia Region S.A. (OLNE), which had designated Hellenic Seaplanes’ subsidiary, “Water Airports Evia IKE,” through a competitive process, as the contractor for the construction and operation of the water airport.

In the coming weeks, the licensing of the water airports in Chalkida, Aidipsos, Karystos, and Aliveri is expected, as all pending issues have been resolved, and the Port Authority of Evia Region (OLNE) with Hellenic Seaplanes are progressing steadily with the completion of these water airport infrastructure projects.

In close cooperation with the relevant ministries and OLNE, Hellenic Seaplanes is introducing Evia into its network of water airports, already holding the licenses for the water airports of Volos, Kalamata, Patras, Tinos, Skopelos, and Kyllini. Soon, the water airports of Patmos, Alimos, Chios, Skyros, Psara, Oinousses, Sitia, and Amfilochia will also receive approval. Meanwhile, as an investment company, Hellenic Seaplanes is responsible for constructing the land and sea facilities of water airports, managing, and fully operating them.

Regarding the licensing of the Kymi water airport, the President of the Port Authority of Evia, Mr. Spiridon Gerontitis, stated:
“We are pleased to have received the licensing for the Kymi water airport and we look forward to the licensing of the remaining water airports. After a long period of effort and persistence, receiving the first water airport license in Evia demonstrates the clear political will to address pending issues that had been hindering progress. The Port Authority of Evia, in collaboration with Hellenic Seaplanes, is entering the seaplane industry, promoting the simultaneous construction of five water airports on the island. We hope to complete the licensing of the central water airport in Chalkida soon, and by the first months of 2023, the first seaplane flights in Evia will take place.”

Regarding the approval of the license for the water airport at Kymi Port, the President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes, Mr. Nicolas Haralambous, said:
“The licensing of the Kymi water airport brings us one step closer to our goal of creating a network of water airports that will support the seaplanes and their flight operations, serving thousands of passengers on the island as well as those from Central Greece. It is encouraging that the licensing process for the other four ports in Evia has almost been completed, and we aim for 2023 to be the year when the number of water airports and waterfields in Greece will multiply, allowing passengers and tourists to experience firsthand the multifunctionality and advantages that seaplanes can offer in their travel.”

Flight Plans to and from Evia
As part of the licensing of the Kymi water airport and other infrastructure in Evia, Hellenic Seaplanes’ flight plan envisions the creation of routes that will initially serve the connection of the Volos water airport with the islands and the Sporades, Skyros, and later flights from the water airports in Evia to Attica and nearby water airports in the Cyclades.

Regarding the licensing of the Kymi water airport and the development of the water airports in Evia, the Regional Governor of Central Greece, Fanis Spanos, said:
“The region of Central Greece is alive and must live from its seas! 

That’s why we are working with OLNE and the Port Authorities to develop a comprehensive, targeted, and functional network of ports, tourist and fishing harbors, marinas, and, of course, water airports. We are placing great emphasis on the water airports, as the arrival of seaplanes is expected to drastically change the map of tourist and passenger transport. Step by step, a major plan is unfolding and being implemented, which will contribute significantly to development and quality of life.”

Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure: Seaplane Flights Will Further Strengthen Tourism Development in Evia

Regarding the licensing of the Kymi water airport, Mr. Michalis Papadopoulos, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, responsible for Transport, among other things, mentioned that Evia is laying the foundations for an important infrastructure and that seaplane flights can further enhance the tourism development in Evia by facilitating movements to and from the island.