Faster travel and unique tourist experiences with seaplanes are being introduced in the Fthiotida region, with the decision to proceed with the acquisition of five new water fields within its bays.
Specifically, the Fthiotida Port Authority, led by President Mr. Giannis Premetis, and with the Regional Governor of Central Greece, Mr. Fanis Spanos, at the forefront of the regional development project for seaplanes, is moving forward in cooperation with Hellenic Seaplanes to license and establish seaplane stations at 5 ports in the region, namely Arkitsa, Raches, Glyfa, Theologos, and Larymna.
These projects at these destinations are a priority for the Port Authority, as the arrival of seaplanes aims to make the best possible use of their infrastructures. With the addition of the water fields, the destinations become more functional in terms of transport accessibility and more attractive, as seaplanes create opportunities for aerial sightseeing above attractions such as the wider area of the Larymna metallurgy plant, the cave of Fokaina, the Mornos Dam, the large sandy beach of Arkitsa, and more.
Fthiotida Joins the Same Seaplane Network as Evia, Sporades, and Attica!
The water fields in Fthiotida, located in Arkitsa, Raches, Glyfa, Theologos, and Larymna, open the way for direct connections between Fthiotida and the water airports of Evia in Aidipsos, Aliveri, Karystos, Kymi, Chalkida, and the seaplane infrastructure in Skopelos, Alonissos, and Skyros. In combination with the growing interest in water fields in Attica, beyond the approved one in Lavrio, we are now speaking of an infrastructure network in Central Greece that can practically support the seaplane project and dramatically enhance the image of the region’s destinations.
The cessation of ferry routes from Agios Konstantinos… creates a gap that will be filled by seaplanes!
In parallel with the development of water fields, water airports in Agios Konstantinos and Stylida will facilitate transport connectivity in Fthiotida. The necessity of these infrastructures for seaplanes and easy transport is underscored by the outcry from local residents and business owners due to the sudden suspension of ferry routes from Agios Konstantinos to the Sporades, resulting in the recently inaugurated port of Fthiotida being downgraded rather than upgraded, especially at the start of the tourist season!
Through the upcoming water airport, seaplanes will effectively fill the transport gap created by the suspension of ferry services, providing fast and flexible air travel that can serve flights to the ports of the Sporades within 15–20 minutes.
Mr. Christos Staikouras, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport and MP for Fthiotida, commented on the prospects opened by the creation of the seaplane network in Central Greece: “The initiative to create water airport infrastructures at five ports in Fthiotida carries significant developmental potential for the Regional Unit. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has licensed similar facilities in areas of Evia and the islands of the Sporades. Therefore, the goal to develop a comprehensive network of water fields in Eastern Central Greece is feasible, which, with necessary investments and safety measures, will be sustainable, providing multiple benefits for Fthiotida and the surrounding areas.”
In the same vein, the Regional Governor, Mr. Spanos, emphasized, “Fthiotida is opening a new chapter in development through water airports, water fields, and seaplanes. The utilization of water fields, with a focus on sustainable development, is key to a future where the region can evolve into a hub for tourism and economic growth.”
The President of the Fthiotida Port Authority, Mr. Giannis Premetis, stated: “We are particularly pleased that the processes for the establishment and installation of water airports and water fields are progressing at a rapid pace. This brings to life the strategic planning of the management body for the upgrade of port infrastructures across the entire Fthiotida Regional Unit. Water fields have already been delineated in the port areas of Glyfa, Raches, Arkitsa, Agios Ioannis Theologos, and Larymna, and by the end of June, procedures for establishing water airports at the ports of Stylida, Agios Konstantinos, and Skala Atalantis will begin. In cooperation with the Central Greece Region and Hellenic Seaplanes, we are shaping an extensive and sufficient network of water airports and water fields, offering the opportunity for flexible, safe, and fast tourist transport. We consider the proposal to operate water airports and water fields in the tourism sector for connecting port infrastructures to be crucial, as it creates a network of destinations that is particularly encouraging for the development of the region.”
The President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes, Mr. Nicolas Charalambous, remarked: “The arrival of seaplanes in Fthiotida will offer visitors a unique and thrilling travel experience, while also opening new opportunities for the development of tourism in the area by attracting passengers from Greece and neighboring regions. It will also expand the range of options for foreign tourists looking for an alternative for their vacations year-round. The integration of Fthiotida into the Central Greece seaplane network marks a significant development for Hellenic Seaplanes and its portfolio of projects and destinations.”