As part of regular inspections aimed at improving the services provided to the traveling public, the Governor of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA), Mr. Giorgos Saounatsos, and the Deputy Governor for Airport Management, Mr. Alexandros Karydis, visited the state airports of Kythira “Alexandros A. Onassis”, Ioannina “King Pyrrhos”, and Syros “Dimitrios Vikelas”.
Aesthetic and Functional Improvements at Kythira Airport
During the visit to Kythira State Airport, the HCAA leadership met with:
The island’s Mayor, Mr. Efstratios Charchalakis
The President of the Committee for Local Property of Kythira-Antikythira, Mr. Vangelis Venardos
Airport staff, led by Airport Manager Mr. Antonis Papadopoulos
The meeting reviewed the progress of ongoing infrastructure upgrades. Key interventions include:
Completion of landscaping and beautification of outdoor areas
Upgrades to restroom facilities
Launch of a tender for the maintenance of baggage trolleys
Roof insulation work and panel replacements in passenger areas
Repairs to lighting pylons
Replacement of the old fire truck with a newer model
Focus on Connectivity and Utilization at Ioannina Airport
Ioannina Airport “King Pyrrhos”, inaugurated in 2019, is considered the “jewel” of the HCAA due to its modern facilities. During the visit, the HCAA administration met with Airport Manager Mr. Kostas Efstathiou and staff to discuss maintenance and operational issues. Additional meetings included:
With Mayor Thomas Begas and Deputy Mayor for Commerce, Business Development, and Tourism, Christos Tatsis, focused on attracting new air routes
With the Ioannina Hotel Association, including President Spyros Sourelis, Vice Presidents Theodoros Vandolas and Efi Exarchou, and Member Stathis Sioutis, to promote tourism connectivity through air travel
With the Regional Fire Service Commander, Mr. Konstantinos Tsiopos, to ensure proper housing and operation of firefighting aerial units based at the airport
Steady Progress at Syros Airport
At Syros State Airport, HCAA officials met with Airport Manager Vasiliki Preka, airport staff, and the Mayor of Syros, Alexis Athanasiou. All parties noted substantial infrastructure improvements over the past year, including:
Upgrade and certification of luggage and hand baggage equipment
Installation of new air conditioning units in the terminal and departure area, with further reinforcements underway
Runway extension completed, along with repainting of the runway and taxiways by HCAA’s Technical Services
Runway derubberization (removal of rubber residue from landings)
Fence repairs and restoration around the airport perimeter
Further upcoming improvements include:
Renovation of restroom facilities
Additional air conditioning upgrades in arrival and departure halls
Signing of a new concession contract for the terminal’s cafeteria
Installation of a new fire pump unit, and more
These interventions reflect the HCAA’s ongoing commitment to modernize regional airports, enhance passenger comfort, and support local tourism and connectivity through improved airport infrastructure.
