Although a few days ago, a broad working meeting was held at the initiative of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) with the aim of accelerating the operation of seaplanes in Greece, the long-awaited start of flights has still not materialized, despite the increased tourist traffic and the increased needs for interconnection of island regions.
On June 17, at the initiative of the Governor of the CAA, Christos Tsitouras, a broad meeting was held with the participation of all the co-responsible directorates. According to the announcement, the meeting was a “milestone” in the coordination of the procedures for accelerating the institutional and operational preparation of the seaplane network.
During the meeting, pending issues in the legislative and operational framework were examined, and joint actions were decided for the completion of the licensing. At the same time, Hellenic Seaplanes announced the inclusion of two new destinations – Donoussa in the Cyclades and Oinousses in the North Aegean – in the national network under development, enhancing travel options for residents and visitors.
Milos and Santorini are out of plans after negative opinions
However, despite Hellenic Seaplanes’ full operational readiness and the completion of a multi-year and multi-factor licensing process, two of the country’s most tourist destinations, Milos and Santorini, remain out of the flight planning, due to negative opinions from the local Port Authorities.
On December 17, 2024, Hellenic Seaplanes announced an agreement for 10 electric Noemi seaplanes, 9 seats. For now, we only see them in photos…
Hellenic Seaplanes declares itself ready to fly
At this point, it should be emphasized that Hellenic Seaplanes announced the completion of the first leg of its flight preparation for the summer of 2025, activating its digital booking platform and planning flights that, as reported, aspire to change the map of accessibility to the Greek islands and remote areas.
Its operational plan includes bases in Athens, Skyros and Ioannina, while routes to 28 destinations have already been planned, including: Alimos, Patras, Chios, Psara, Tinos, Leros, Patmos, Paxos, Skopelos, Alonissos, Corfu, Samothrace, Volos, Amfilochia, Alexandroupoli, Mathraki, Othoni, Kalamata and the Athenian Riviera.
The flights will serve existing waterways, approved water fields, and airports, thanks to the amphibious nature of the company’s aircraft, allowing operation throughout the year.
In his statements, the Governor of the Hellenic Seaplanes Authority, Mr. Tsitouras, noted that the Authority supports the development effort for seaplanes, with a focus on safety and full compliance with European and international standards. For his part, the head of Hellenic Seaplanes, Nikolas Charalambous, stressed that the company is moving forward with a strategic plan to create a flexible, high-quality, and safe transport network for the Greek islands.
What do we have today? A hole in the water …
Apparently still no scheduled flights in the elastic space, but also reactions such as that of the Ioannina Hoteliers Association that for another year, the ambitious project of seaplane flights on Lake Pamvotida remains stalled – this time not due to technical obstacles, but due to the well-known Greek pathogenicity, the time-consuming and inefficient administrative procedures.
Despite expectations for the start of routes in mid-June, the long-awaited operating license for the Ioannina waterway has not yet been issued. The consequences, according to the Ioannina Hoteliers Association, are immediate and serious: the image of the destination is being damaged, tourists are being lost, and the development perspective is being undermined.
In their letter to the relevant ministries and the Civil Aviation Authority, the hoteliers in the area are calling for immediate action by the State, recalling that between 2004 and 2009, more than 15,000 seaplane flights were operated in the country, without the current delays and delays.
- At Tornos News, we picked up the thread 20 years ago and present you with a timeline of missed opportunities for seaplanes in Greece.
2004 – The beginning of the dream
The first pilot seaplane routes are carried out in Greece, starting from Corfu.
The company AirSea Lines is founded, with the aim of connecting the Ionian Islands and Western Greece.
2005–2007 – The first flights
AirSea Lines operates regular routes between Corfu, Paxos, and Ioannina.
The public responds positively, but problems with licensing and operation of the waterways soon arise.
2008 – Collapse and stagnation
AirSea Lines ceases its operations. The project is abandoned, mainly due to bureaucratic deadlock.
The issue moves into the realm of a “nice idea” that did not proceed.
2010–2012 – Silence and absence of an institutional framework
In the absence of a legislative framework and investment interest, the project is completely frozen.
Various investors make exploratory contacts, without result.
2013 – New law and a new beginning
The first law for the establishment and operation of waterways in Greece is passed (Law 4146/2013).
An ambitious plan for 100 waterways is announced.
2014–2015 – New companies, new hopes
Companies such as Hellenic Seaplanes are created, presenting plans for large networks.
Interest is rekindled, but the permits… are not issued.
2016–2019 – Promises and waiting
Several municipalities (such as Rethymno, Volos, Patras) declare participation in the network.
The Ministry of Transport promises “a ready legal framework” and “the first routes next season”.
2020 – New revision of the framework
A new law (Law 4663/2020) was passed, allowing private waterways and somewhat simplifying the process.
Pilot routes are announced again — the pandemic puts the brakes on everything.
2021–2023 – Permits exist, flights do not
Waterway permits begin to be issued: Corfu, Patras, Volos, Rethymno, Heraklion, Lake Pamvotida, Ioannina, etc.
Companies advertise an imminent start of flights, but the seaplanes never come.
2024 – New announcement: “2025 is the start!”
Hellenic Seaplanes declares itself ready with fleet and staff.
Government officials emphasize that 2025 will be the year of seaplanes, especially for island regions with few connections.
2025 – Where are we today?
Despite the permits for new waterways and the promises of “tourist networks” from the Ionian to the Cyclades, not a single commercial flight has taken place by June 2025.
- In any case, the challenge remains the transition from planning to practice, so that a project that has been planned for almost two decades can finally take off, serving tourism development, regional cohesion, and the real needs of the islands.
