Epitalio Airport in the Peloponnese Reopens for Light Aircraft Flights

The airport of Epitalio in the Peloponnese reopened recently for light aircraft flights, after having been granted a licence by the Greek Transport Ministry.

Located 11km from the town of Pyrgos in Ilia, the airport is next to the national highway that connects the area with the archaeological sites of Ancient Olympia, the Temple of Apollo Epicurius and Ancient Ilida.

The airport first opened in 1975 but stopped its operation in 2010.

On August 17, Epitalio airport welcomed its first light aircraft in 12 years: a single-engine Cessna 172, which was operated by Pyrgos Air Club Secretary General Giorgos Zacharopoulos and President Thodoris Yiannakoulias.

The Cessna was received by Ilia Deputy Governor Vassilis Yannopoulos.

While making statements, Yiannakopoulos clarified that the airport will serve exclusively as a light aircraft landing field and not as a civil airport for scheduled flights.

“This does not affect the significance of the airport’s reopening after so many years as it is very important to proceed with actions that could attract investment plans and opportunities to the area,” he said.

According to the deputy governor, air clubs from other regions and small aircraft pilot academies have already expressed interest to use the airport for their activities.

Yiannakopoulos added that the regional authority was looking into proposals on how to further develop the Epitalio airport.

Aviation tourism opportunity

On his part, Pyrgos Air Club President Thodoris Yiannakoulias said the airport could also promote aviation as a thematic form of tourism.

“The Epitalio airport is very close to Ancient Olympia. It can attract small private aircraft and breathe life into the region,” he said.

The airport’s official opening ceremony will take place in September.