Greece’s First Private Civilian Airport to Go Up Near Kavala  

Greek Deputy Transport Minister Christina Alexopoulou at the foundation ceremony of the “Lydia” airport in Kavala. Photo source: Transport Ministry

The cornerstone for Greece’s first private civilian airport was set this week near the northern Greek city of Kavala during a special event attended by Deputy Transport Minister Christina Alexopoulou.

Named “Lydia”, the airport is being constructed by Egnatia Aviation with a budget of 14 million euros on the premises of the former military airport of Amygdaleona, some 5km from Kavala.

Deputy Transport Minister Christina Alexopoulou during the airport’s foundation ceremony. Photo source: Transport Ministry

The airport will handle private and business flights, host air shows and offer professional pilot training and will also include a training campus for pilots, simulators, dormitories, dining areas, as well as a shopping center with restaurants, cafes and shops.

“This complex development project,” Alexopoulou said during the foundation ceremony, “highlights the role that private initiative and regional authorities can play in the recovery of the national economy.’

The minister went on to add that general aviation in Europe generates approximately 6 billion euros in turnover with 40,000 private planes and 360,000 pilots. “So it can be an important source of revenue for Greece as well,” she said.

Alexopoulou went on to add that the transport ministry was planning on launching an Aviation Tourism Committee which will be responsible for formulating a strategy for the development of the segment and the utilization of regional airport infrastructure.

“Lydia airport can contribute to the development of the region, establishing it as a gateway to the Balkans. That Drama – Kavala axis offers the fastest access to the Aegean for our neighboring countries,” said Alexopoulou.