Northern Greece: Waterways Approved for Seaplane Operations in Alexandroupolis and Samothrace

Photo source: Greek Water Airports

The first waterways — locations designated for seaplane takeoff and landing operations — in the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace have been officially approved by Greek authorities. These approved waterways are located in Alexandroupolis on mainland Greece and on the island of Samothrace.

According to the Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Christodoulos Topsidis, the approval for the seaplane waterways was secured in just a month and a half, marking the initial step in establishing a wider network in Northern Greece to support the sustainable operation of seaplanes.

“With the approval of the waterways at the ports of Alexandroupolis and Samothrace, we have created pioneering ‘gateway hubs’ that will contribute to the tourism and economic development of these destinations,” Topsidis said.

He highlighted that the newly approved seaplane facilities will provide significant benefits to the local communities, especially Samothrace, which lacks an airport. “The residents of Samothrace will now have enhanced connectivity, allowing them to travel safely and quickly year-round to major regional and urban centers such as Alexandroupolis and Thessaloniki. This will give them better access to essential services, including hospitals and public offices.”

Photo source: Greek Water Airports

The approvals for the waterways were granted by the Hellenic Navy General Staff, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA), and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy. The approvals were based on studies and applications prepared by the Evros Development Company S.A. and Greek Water Airports, a company specializing in the design, construction, licensing, and management of waterways.

Greek Water Airports President Tasos Govas noted that in addition to the two approved seaplane landing sites, initiatives are underway to develop similar facilities in Ouranoupolis and Ierissos in Halkidiki, while public entities in Thessaloniki and Kavala have also expressed interest.

“We hope that the approval of these two waterways will serve as a model for the rapid creation of a broader network, ensuring the sustainable operation of seaplanes,” Govas said.

Following the approval, a meeting was held at the offices of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. During the meeting, Govas and Fay Drakopoulou, head of management services at Greek Water Airports, discussed the additional infrastructure required for the sector’s sustainable growth, including fuel supply stations and parking areas for seaplanes.