Greece’s Evia Seaplane Network Gets New Port Permits

Photo source: Hellenic Seaways,

The Greek Transport Ministry will be moving forward with licensing procedures for seaplane ports in the seaside towns of Karystos and Halkida on Evia, after awarding Aliveri and Edipsos relevant permits, said Hellenic Seaplanes this week.

More specifically, according to Hellenic Seaplanes, the Evia ports of Halkida and Karystos are in the running for permits which will pave the way for the creation of new waterway connections. Kymi has already received approval. The town of Itea is also seeking a waterway license in order to serve Central Greece destinations.

“Evia will acquire an important network of waterways that will enable connectivity in the future with many parts of the island. At the same time, similar infrastructure on the Sporades and on other Aegean islands will create the conditions for Evia to become a destination with significant air connectivity, radically changing the quality of transport services with immediate benefits both for tourism and local residents,” said Deputy Transport Minister Michael Papadopoulos.

Karystos, Evia.

 Hellenic Seaplanes confirmed that a subsidiary of the company will undertake the construction and management of the Evia waterway network.

Other projects under the company’s agreement with the Evia Port Authority include terminals and floating docks.

 According to the Hellenic Seaplanes statement, the ports of Aliveri, Kymi, Karystos and Edipsos will operate with one or two seaplanes while the Halkida seaplane port will be able to handle up to five craft. It will also serve as the company’s maintenance base and host the Seaplane Operators Academy.

Chalkida, Evia.

 Commenting on the news, Evia Port Authority President Spyros Geroditis said he expects the waterway network to boost tourist activity to the island, create jobs and support the local economy.

“We believe in the potential and benefits that waterways can bring to our destinations and that the best is yet to come for Evia and its ports,” he said.

 Permits for seaplane ports have already been granted to Ios, Volos, Rethymno (Crete), Kalamata, and Kyllini. The ministry is currently assessing 20 more applications submitted by Lesvos, Rhodes, Agathonisi, Kasos, Tilos and Agia Galini (Crete).