The country’s state airports are entering a modernization trajectory, with the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) adopting for the first time a holistic approach to the maintenance and support of airport and air navigation infrastructure. The aim is to substantially upgrade the image and functionality of airports, which have historically faced maintenance problems and limited investments.
As part of a long-term strategic plan, the HCAA is preparing to announce a tender for the assignment of facility management services to all state airports, as well as air navigation building facilities. The project budget amounts to approximately 20 million euros for the next four years, with the possibility of extension for an additional year. The framework contract will cover both the immediate response to technical problems and the implementation of preventive maintenance in areas that were not adequately covered to date.
At the same time, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority is launching the issuance of a new declaration for cleaning services at state airports, with stricter and higher quality terms, responding to the increasing demands of the public and local communities. The relevant tenders are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Targeted interventions in Heraklion, Milos, and Naxos
Until the full implementation of the new framework, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority is proceeding with targeted improvements at specific airports, with the aim of improving the travel experience.
In Heraklion, Crete, the upgrading of the sanitary areas at the departures level has already begun, while corresponding works will also be carried out at the arrivals level. At the same time, cleaning services were strengthened, with an increase in staff and an intensification of daily inspections, in an effort to upgrade the image of the airport, which is the main gateway for tourists to Crete.
In Milos, the installation of a new floor in the terminal area was completed, an aesthetic and functional intervention that was implemented with the support of local businesses. At the same time, a defibrillator was installed, while the supply of a total of 30 defibrillators that will cover all airports in the country is imminent. Maintenance and repainting of the Control Tower were also completed.
In Naxos, the CAA delivered a fully renovated outdoor waiting area with a pergola and seats, a new WC for people with disabilities, as well as a new audio announcement system. Cleaning services were also strengthened, while tire debris was removed from the runway to improve safety.
Investments in cleanliness and sanitary facilities
Special importance is given to the sanitary facilities of all state airports, as the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority considers their renovation a matter of culture and tourist image. The preliminary examination of the needs has already been completed and a single tender is being promoted for the overall upgrade of the WCs, with the aim of starting work during the winter.
As the Governor of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. George Saunatsos, characteristically stated:
“The condition of the sanitary facilities is an indicator of culture and hospitality. Their renovation is the only way to ensure that the last impression of the departing traveler is worthy of the positive experience that the place offered him.”
Administration Inspections: A Message of Presence and Continuous Improvement
At the same time, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority Administration is proceeding with on-site inspections at state airports. The Governor of the Hellenic Aviation Authority (HCAA) recently visited the airports of Ikaria and Limnos, holding meetings with local authorities and staff. These are the first visits of the Administration to these airports after 25 years, which signals the intention of the Service to be close to the regional aviation infrastructure.
The next visits have already been planned for the airports of Milos, Kythira, Ioannina, Syros, Kastoria, Kozani, Astypalaia, Araxos, and Kastelorizo.
A new page for the HCAA and state airports
The adoption of a holistic upgrade strategy by the HCAA comes in response to chronic problems of state airports, but also to the increased demands of the modern traveler. With an emphasis on quality of services, maintenanc,e and care of the facilities, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority is laying the foundations for a new face for Greek state airports, more hospitable, functional and competitive.
