50 years since the first landing at Kythera

December 20, 2021 marks exactly 50 years since the first landing on the then dirt runway of the legendary Skyvan of Olympic Aviation, «Island of Mykonos», with registration number SX-BBN.

The events on the 50th anniversary of the operation of Kythera Airport «Alexandros Aristotelous Onassis»

According to the announcement of the Civil Aviation Authority, in the framework of the festive events for the Kythera State Airport, on the initiative of the airport director Mr. Stavros Paizanos and with the cooperation of the Municipality of Kythera, as well as with the sponsorship of local organizations and hoteliers of the island, a series of events were held, such as: free flights for residents of the island with a General Aviation plane (along with the anniversary Fly In of AOPA Hellas 28/08 to 2/09).

As part of the anniversary Fly In of the Hellenic Aeronautical Federation (EL. A. O) were flights with balloon, flights with free-fall parachute (skydiving), with paragliding (parapente), with mountain eagle, (all with public participation), alongside the «ALEXANDER ONASSIS AIR SHOW 2021» and were conducted with great success, with the participation of 110 aerial athletes of EL. O, from 7 different air sports and 32 airplanes (16 to 19 September). Of particular interest was the presentation of aeromodelling activities to primary school students and aeromodelling flights. The public came to the airport, strictly observing all the precautions foreseen for the pandemic, enjoyed the «Air Show» and the aeromodelling and aeroplane, ultralight, light and general aviation competitions. There was also a concert by Christos Thevios and his band at Avlemonas Kythera.

The closing of the festivities will take place next December and specifically on the airport's birthday on 20 December.^η December 2021. Throughout the year, the Kythera State Airport has been decorated throughout the year with performances on the theme of the airport's 50 YEARS - GOLDEN IOVELAIO. The Commander of the CAA Mr. George I. Dritsacos attended and honoured with his presence the closing ceremony of the «ALEXANDER ONASSIS AIR SHOW 2021» held on 19 September at the airport.

The airport upgrade projects

The celebrations marking 50 years of uninterrupted operation of Kythera Airport coincided with the completion of key infrastructure projects by the CAA Administration. They include the replacement of the central air conditioning unit, bioclimatic upgrading of the control tower, the upgraded fire truck depot, the necessary maintenance work of the facades and the central hall, as well as the creation of 300 additional square meters of enclosed areas, from corresponding semi-open spaces and other necessary works for the functionality of the terminal building, with a total budget of 250,000 euros.

Another special distinction for Kythera Airport «Alexandros Aristotelous Onassis» is that it is the friendliest airport in Greece and the second friendliest in Europe for General Aviation, a fact that has been recognized by AOPA Hellas, which also awarded a special prize to the airport's managers.

Regarding the air traffic at Kythera Airport this year, 17,058 passengers have been handled (arrivals/departures) in the period January - August 2021. The best year in terms of passenger traffic at the airport was in 2019 where 39,584 passengers were handled in the twelve months of January - December.