With an extensive feature on its history, its evolution over time, and what lies ahead, the website celebrated the 50 years of continuous operation of the Kythira State Airport, now24.gr.

The feature provides a historical overview of the entire project to operate an airport on the island of Heavenly Aphrodite, from the laying of the cornerstone to the landing of the first flight, featuring the publication of the photographic collage that adorns the terminal’s departure hall, with the theme «The beginning is half of everything.».

Next, guided by an interview with the Airport Director, Mr. Stavros Paizanos, and through a collection of photographic snapshots, the focus is on the celebratory events marking the airport’s Golden Jubilee, documents all the infrastructure projects that have upgraded the facility in recent years, and looks ahead to the future, through all the planned projects for further upgrades to an airport that has been declared the «most general aviation-friendly in Greece.».

Here is the website's feature article.

«Kythira Airport, the historic name »Onassis,’ the pan-European recognition, and the 50th anniversary of this airport—a jewel for our country”

At the airport «Alexander Aristotelos Onassis» Passengers who visit the airport on any day of the year feel as if they are attending a celebration; the reason is that this year the airport is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and the airport staff are making sure there is a festive atmosphere. hospitality and a warm welcome to travelers for welcoming them to this beautiful island.

Ο painting – collage which dominates the airport's departure hall, with the theme «The beginning is half of everything» It is an effort by airport officials to convey its rich history to visitors and travelers. The airport director, Mr. Stavros Paizanos He points out to us that in the photo collage, Plato’s pithy saying perfectly captures the heroic effort of the residents of Kythira 50 years ago to donate their land without compensation for the construction of the dirt runway, which was rewarded the jubilant welcome of the first flight, with the island’s residents turning out in droves.

So today, the now24.en presents a major feature with extensive photographic material on the 50th anniversary of the «Alexander Aristoteles Onassis» Airport in Kythira, based on their interview Airport Director Stavros Paizanou.

The events for the 50 YEARS of «Alexander A. Onassis» Kythira State Airport» (KAKTHO)

For our country, this year is marked by the anniversary of the 200 years since the Revolution of 1821, but especially for our island, the 2021 It also marks another anniversary, the “Golden Jubilee” marking 50 YEARS from the first flight to Kythira, which was very important for the island’s development and its connection to the outside world. The flight of the historic Skyvan aircraft with registration number SX BBN & name “The Island of Mykonos” of the legendary “Olympic Airlines” by Aristotelis Onasis, marks a milestone in the history of Tsirigo.

The anniversary year began with her welcome 1^of Flights for 2021.

All of the events that followed were held under the auspices of the Municipality and the honorable Mayor of Kythira.

On August 23, 2021 A concert by [artist] was held the day after the August full moon, Christos Thivaios at the Avlemonas sundial, with a very large turnout of residents and visitors to Kythira.

The time period starting August 28 up to September 2 held anniversary fly In  by AORA Hellas, offering free introductory flights for residents and visitors to the island, as well as a dinner at the «Platanos» in Mylopotamos, in honor of the staff of the Kythira State Airport.

The four-day weekend is over September 16–19 held anniversary Fly In of the Hellenic Air Sports Federation (ELAO) while it is taking place simultaneously ALEXANDER ONASSIS AIR SHOW 2021, featuring 110 pilots from seven (7) different aviation disciplines and 32 aircraft, was a huge success. By all accounts, it exceeded all expectations and has now become a benchmark for aviation events in Greece.

The closing ceremony took place in the presence of His Eminence Seraphim, Metropolitan of Kythira and Antikythira; the Mayor of Kythira, Mr. E. Charchalakis, and the Commander of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. G. Dritsakos.

For the exact date of Kythira Airport's anniversary on December 20, weather permitting, an anniversary Fly-In is planned featuring general aviation aircraft, and the Mayor of Kythira has invited the Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation to honor the island’s historic anniversary with his presence.

1. Important Milestones in the History of KAKTHO

• The first aircraft landing on Kythira took place on 20-12-1971, on a dirt road, with a significant contribution from farmers who donated their grapevines for its construction, as well as contributions from Alexander Onassis and «Olympic Airlines.» The first (temporary) passenger terminal was also built that same year.

• The current asphalt runway (02–20) was built by the 6^η MOMA and was inaugurated on May 12, 1988.

• Runway lighting (for night flights and flights in low-visibility conditions) was completed in 1991.

• The first charter flight charter held in 1992, operated by Crossair of Zurich.

• The 2003 The building that now houses the modern terminal was inaugurated.

• The October 2014 The airport is called «Alexander Aristotelos Onassis». 

• On 25-5-2018 The Attica Region submitted to the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) the «feasibility study and general development plan for the extension of the KAKTHO runway.».

• On 8-7-2018 The unveiling of the statue of Alexander Onassis took place at the entrance to the terminal grounds.

• The July 2019 The central air conditioning unit in the terminal building is being replaced.

• The May 2021, work is being completed to convert 300 square meters of semi-open-air spaces into enclosed areas, along with various other important improvements to the terminal building.  

2. KAKTHO: The Most Pilot-Friendly Airport in Greece

Kythira State Airport on the 2nd^α In September 2021, it was honored by AORA Hellas with a special crystal plaque as the most welcoming airport in Greece for General Aviation (GA).  This recognition is based on the exceptionally welcoming treatment of GA aircraft crews over many years by the staff of both the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) at Kythira State Airport as well as the ground handling provider Skyserv, and improvements to General Aviation infrastructure, such as the installation of mooring points for light and ultralight aircraft at General Aviation parking bays or the planned creation of a «fuel park» to supply general aviation aircraft with AVGAS (100 LL) aviation fuel. This means that Kythira is becoming a more attractive destination for general aviation (GA) aircraft.

3. Passenger Traffic Statistics for KAKTHO

Air traffic statistics in recent years—despite the economic crisis that has been looming for over a decade—show that 2019 was by far the best year, with 2020 being the worst year due to the pandemic and 2021 showing a clear recovery, even though the lockdown affected even June 2021, however, the tourist season in July, August, and September, despite the cancellation of two charter flights due to the pandemic, recorded very satisfactory results.  Also significant was the resumption on the 4th^η July 2021: the island’s connection with Thessaloniki during the summer months, with two trips per week, on Thursdays and Sundays (the last year these routes operated to and from Thessaloniki was 2017).

4. Flights to and from KAKTHO and approximate ticket prices

During the summer months, the airport operates seven days a week, with two daily flights from Athens (D.A.A. «Eleftherios Venizelos») operated by OLYMPIC AIR and SKY EXPRESS. From late October through late March, there are four flights per week, while the airport operates six days a week; the two additional flights beyond the four are for general aviation and training aircraft, since, due to the presence of radio aids, the airport is well-suited for training prospective pilots.

As is well known, ticket prices vary depending on the date of booking, the travel date, and the season. An average price for the Athens, Kythira it is 80 € and regarding the Kythira–Athens: 40€.

5. Projects at KAKTHO over the past three years

Over the past three years, major projects have been carried out that have transformed the airport:

a. The central air conditioning unit (heat pump) was replaced, resulting in flawless operation of the system for both cooling and heating, without the need to operate the oil burner for heating.

b. Enclosed spaces were constructed, with a building permit for 300 square meters of semi-open areas, resulting in the creation of a fire truck depot (with space for two fire trucks holding 7,000 liters of water) and an enclosed parking area for the aircraft start-up generator and the aircraft ground handling vehicle. The terminal building was refurbished with a fresh coat of paint; the polycarbonate skylights in the «domes» were replaced, (pyramids with skylights in the central hall), and the replacement of the suspended ceiling in the building’s entrance canopy, along with the simultaneous replacement of the lighting with LED fixtures.

The building’s roof was insulated and waterproofed.  solar control films designed to improve bioclimatic performance, resulting in a 9% reduction in the interior temperature during the summer months^ο C degrees Celsius.

The hydraulic elevator in the Control Tower is maintained by an external, specialized, licensed maintenance technician, and its certification is scheduled.  Free internet access is available to passengers passing through the airport.  The lighting system for threshold 20 (north threshold) of runway 02–20 has been upgraded, with the addition of a system to better identify the threshold for aircraft approaching the runway in low-visibility conditions and to prevent flight cancellations. A total of €250,000 was invested.

6. Support from the HCAA's Central Administration

We have the full support of the HCAA’s central administration, and in particular of the HCAA Administrator, Mr. Georgios Dritsakos.

7. Opportunities for the Future, a Vision for the Development of KAKTHO

Immediate plans for the development of Kythira State Airport include the creation of a «fuel park» for both general aviation and airliners  (JET A1 aviation fuel). The final design for the 320-meter extension of Runway 02–20 may be put out to bid in 2022, as the required funding of €400,000 has already been secured, enabling KAKTHO to accommodate nearly 100% of fully loaded charter aircraft.

Of course, the aircraft parking apron will also need to be expanded, as will some of the terminal buildings.  Also significant is the recent founding of the Kythira Flying Club, which will help the island’s youth by introducing them to a very interesting pursuit and will contribute to better connectivity for the island, especially during the winter months, through the planned acquisition of a small aircraft, for visits to nearby destinations as well as for responding to emergencies.

During the four and a half years I served as airport director at the Kythira State Airport, I worked—most days without set hours— I grew to love this isolated but blessed island, and I am retiring on the 31st^η December 2021, I am satisfied because I did everything I could with my own efforts and the support of my colleagues and associates—something I can see from the appreciation of the people of Kythira, which we receive every day. I am leaving, having gained yet another «special homeland,» while leaving my own «journey to Kythira» unfulfilled for as long as I live.

Thank you very much for taking the initiative to feature this on your renowned website «now»24", the anniversary events for the 50 YEARS OF KAKTHO, as well as practical information about the airport on this secluded yet stunning and blessed island, which has long been a premier destination for both Greek and foreign tourists—the «journey to Kythira,» a destination that is at once unattainable and yet attainable, on the island of Heavenly Aphrodite and utopia.

Stavros I. Paizanos—Airport Director, Kythira State Airport