Patra Closer to Operating Seaplane Flights to Nearby Greek Islands

The floating platform for embarkation and disembarkation of seaplane passengers at Patras Port. Photo source: Hellenic Seaplanes

Greece’s Waterway Committee, made up of representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority, port authorities and the fire brigade, completed an inspection this week of the Patra waterway, a project approved in 2017.

The waterway will be managed and operated by Patra Waterway, in which Greek Water Airports (Ellinika Ydatodromia) is a majority partner.

Grecian Air Seaplanes will be carrying out the flights from Patra to the Ionian and Saronic islands and to Peloponnese destinations as well as to other destinations to be included on its network.

Indicative seaplane flight times from the Patras Waterway to Athens will be 45 minutes, to Corfu (55 minutes), Spetses (42 minutes), Pylos (38 minutes), and to Kefalonia (28 minutes).

“The return of seaplanes to our city will maximize its brand name, attracting Greek and foreign tourists to visit Patra and Western Greece,” said Patra Port Authority CEO Panagiotis Tsonis, adding that this was the final stage of the licensing procedure for the Patra waterway to be the first to open in Greece.

Also commenting on the news, Greek Water Airports SA Founder and Managing Director President Tasos Govas, said that the Patra Waterway, once operational, would serve as “guide” for the creation of an extensive network of waterways across the Peloponnese, allowing fast, safe and flexible movement of residents and tourists.

The security checkpoint at the Patras Port Water Airport. Photo source: Hellenic Seaplanes

Three years ago, a 12-year concession deal between the city’s port authority and Patra Port Waterway made up of Greek Water Airports SA and Hellenic Seaplanes was finalized, granting Patra Port Waterway the right to operate, manage and exploit a waterway airport on the northern side of the port.