Four Epirote Associations of Crete (Lasithi, Heraklion, Rethymno, and Chania) have jointly requested the resumption of the Ioannina-Heraklion air connection, which has remained “frozen” for two years. At the same time, the student faction of Cypriots in Ioannina is reiterating the request for a direct connection with Larnaca, calling on airlines and competent bodies to immediately proceed with solutions.
The Associations of Crete emphasize the high demand for travel between Epirus and Crete, both from Epirote residents living on the island and from tourists. They speak of a development project that unites two tourist-strong regions and call for the immediate re-announcement of the barren line, which was canceled in 2023 after a fruitless tender.
At the same time, Cypriot students at the University of Ioannina are calling for the restoration of the connection with Larnaca, which was interrupted in 2021. They note that today, more than 400 students from Cyprus study in Ioannina alone, who are forced to make time-consuming journeys via Athens.
The request to strengthen Ioannina’s air connectivity is also supported by the Hoteliers’ Association, as direct flights are expected to support tourism and improve the overall accessibility of Epirus.
