Greek Gov’t Eyeing New Round of Airport Concessions

Chios Airport. Photo © GTP

The Greek government is examining the possibility of a second round of airport concessions to be undertaken by a new body which will oversee the use and management of state property previously controlled by the finance ministry.

The newly established Hellenic Holdings and Property Company (EESP) will be responsible for all state property including 23 airports with the exception of Athens International Airport and the Kastelli airport project currently underway on Crete.

The body will proceed with concessions similar to that extended to Fraport-Slentel late last year for the management of 14 regional airports across the country with the aim of boosting state revenues.

According to sources, investors, among them Vinci-Ellaktor and METKA-Corp America as well as other local players, have already expressed interest in six of the 23 airports, those of Paros, Kalamata, Chios, Naxos, Milos and Sitia, Crete.

Besides the airports, major tourism properties, including hotels, spas,  marinas, golf courses, campsites and ski centers, as well as Olympic properties and other estates along the Athenian Riviera will also be transferred to the Hellenic Holdings and Property Company.