Ioannina Hoteliers Push for Airport Upgrade to Increase Flight and Tourist Arrivals

Photo source: Ioannina Region Hotels Association

Hoteliers in Ioannina, Epirus, are advocating for significant upgrades to the city’s airport infrastructure to boost international tourism and attract more flights.

The Ioannina Region Hotels Association (IRHA) has invited George Saounatsos, Governor of the Hellenic Aviation Service Provider (HASP), to visit the city. The aim is to discuss potential improvements to Ioannina Airport, known as “King Pyrros,” and to explore development opportunities for the broader region.

In their invitation letter, the hoteliers emphasized that despite Ioannina Airport serving the Epirus Region, Northeastern Greece, and southern Albania, it has seen limited development despite ongoing appeals from local professionals and the community.

Currently, Ioannina Airport only has scheduled flights to Athens and occasional charter flights. Previous discussions about establishing direct flights to Germany—a country with a significant diaspora from the area—or domestic flights to Heraklion, Crete, have yet to materialize.

Photo source: Ioannina Region Hotels Association

The hoteliers argue that Ioannina Prefecture, known for its diverse tourism offerings including city breaks, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), sports, and cultural tourism, has substantial potential. The region’s new road networks also provide easy access to coastal areas and major urban centers in Greece.

They believe that with a strategic promotional plan and enhanced airport infrastructure, Ioannina and the surrounding area could experience substantial growth in tourism, commerce, and business, yielding significant economic benefits for both the local area and the country.

HASP operates in conjunction with the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA).