Naxos Airport to Undergo Significant Upgrades to Enhance Passenger Experience

Photo source: Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority

Improvement works are currently underway at the National Airport of Naxos to enhance the travel experience for passengers, according to George Saounatsos, governor of the Hellenic Aviation Service Provider (HASP), which operates in conjunction with the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA).

“The airport of Naxos has strong potential for development, as evidenced by the increase in its activity during 2022-2023, with a 19 percent rise in commercial flights and a 26 percent increase in passenger traffic,” Saounatsos said during a recent meeting at the island’s airport with the Mayor of Naxos and the Small Cyclades, Dimitris Lianos, and the airport’s general manager, Erotokritos Kaidatzis.

HASP’s governor added that the large volume of passenger traffic during the summer months exceeds the capacity of the existing infrastructure, particularly the airport’s main building. For this reason, interventions are being made to ensure that travelers have a pleasant experience.

Saounatsos highlighted that recognizing the increasing traffic demands on the facility, HASP will continue to support the airport of Naxos with a greater number of employees and projects for its technical upgrading.

A technical study is currently in progress for the 2,100-square-meter extension and renovation of Naxos Airport. The project, with a budget of 10 million euros, includes the restructuring and improvement of the existing infrastructure and surrounding area, as well as the construction of auxiliary facilities to meet the airport’s growing needs.

Runway infrastructure upgrade projects underway

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is currently overseeing works at the airport, including the extension of the landing runway and apron (aircraft parking area) to maximize its traffic capacity.

The current construction, with a budget of 22 million euros, includes extending the landing runway by 300 meters, bringing it to a total length of 1,199 meters and a width of 30 meters. This extension will also add a Runway End Safety Area (RESA).

For the airport building itself, it was decided that measures will be taken and new furnishings will be installed to improve the experience of passengers. This includes new seats in waiting areas, improved security measures, and, in the fall when traffic will allow, renovations to the restrooms and the café. Additionally, a backup air conditioning system will be installed at the airport in the near future.