Greece Launches Charter Tourism with Flights to 3 Islands

Astypalea Airport. Photo Source: HCAA

The Greek islands of Astypalea, Kastelorizo and Milos welcomed over the weekend the first ‘island hopping’ charter flights as part of a pilot program to introduce charter tourism.

Charter tourism concerns package trips that include pre-arranged services such as transport, accommodation, events and meals as well as other activities.

The pilot project allows private-run flights to take-off and land at island airports from beyond the airport’s operating hours for commercial flights.

The program is being carried out by the Greek transport and tourism ministries, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Administration (HCAA), the municipalities of Astypalea, Kastelorizo, and Milos in collaboration with the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association – AOPA Hellas and the Hellenic Pilots Association.

Municipal authorities on Milos welcomed the arrival of the private charter flight on Saturday, July 23. Photo source: Municipality of Milos

The goal of the project is to provide the islands with additional connectivity with destinations not covered by commercial flights due to airport specifications.

“Actions are being taken to strengthen special forms of tourism, developing the appropriate synergies and implementing the necessary initiatives in order for our islands to become key points of attraction for incoming air tourism with the possibility of air visits (island hopping) – 12 months a year,” said Deputy Tourism minister Sofia Zacharaki.

“With quality and safety as top priorities, we continue to upgrade our tourist product, building on all the new global trends, increasing competitiveness and highlighting the comparative advantages of the islands and our country,” she added.