Greek Regional Airport Works Underway, Ios Island Awaits Study Findings

Kos Island.

Airports across Greece are set to handle more than 55 million passengers in 2018 following a record year in 2017 at 58 million demonstrating their key role as drivers of local economies, according to industry experts.

With one month left to go before the beginning of the country’s high season, Fraport Greece, managing 14 regional airports, is moving full speed ahead with over 12,597 renovation and upgrade works budgeted at 415 million euros and slated for completion by 2021.

Next in line following projects at Mykonos Airport, is Kos Airport with runway works set to kick off on March 4. Once completed the airport is expected to mark a 200 percent increase in traffic. From there, construction will begin at the airports at Kefallonia, Rhodes, Aktio and Zakynthos after relevant licenses are issued.

Ios Airport Study

Ios Island

In relevant news, the Cycladic island of Ios is waiting for regional authorities to approve a pre-survey for the construction of an airport on the island by public and private partnership.

The preliminary study, commissioned by a private investor, foresees the construction of a 1,300m runway to accommodate aircraft of up to 90 seats and includes three proposals.

“An airport is a necessity for the islands, not a luxury… the construction of an airport will contribute to the moderate growth that we want for the island,” Ios Mayor Michalis Petropoulos told To Vima newspaper. Indicatively, Ios welcomed more than 135,000 visitors in 2017 compared to 80,000 in 2011. Growth must go hand in hand with infrastructure, the mayor added.