In a joint question to the President of the Attica Regional Council, the regional councillors of the faction «Attic Circle of Cooperation and Trust», Maria Kazakou and Katerina Logothetis, urgently raise the issue of the integration of the project «Extension of the runway at Kythira State Airport “Alexandros Aristotelous Onassis” and accompanying upgrade works» in the Attica Region's Program of Projects to be Implemented. .
The question highlights the strategic importance of Kythira, the difficulties of access, especially in winter, and the need to support insularity, as required by Article 101(4) of the Constitution. The councillors point out that the request to extend the runway – currently only 1,400 metres long – has remained unfulfilled for over 20 years, with the result that the island is served only by helicopters and has lost the possibility of charter flights that previously connected Kythira with the outside world.
The recent unanimous decision of the Municipal Council of Kythira (June 30, 2025) demonstrates the necessity of the project, which is vital for tourism development, social cohesion, and the safety of residents in conditions of exclusion or emergency.
The question asks Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias to respond as to whether he intends to immediately include the project in the Program of Executable Projects, with provision for the necessary funding for studies and tendering, as he had promised.
The full text of the question is as follows:
Subject: Inclusion of the project «Extension of the runway at Kythira State Airport “Alexandros Aristotelous Onassis” and accompanying upgrade works» in the Attica Region's Program of Projects to be Implemented.
Mr. Regional Governor,
Kythira, an island of strategic importance with unique cultural and natural wealth, is an up-and-coming tourist destination but still faces serious access difficulties, especially during the winter months and periods of adverse weather conditions. Upgrading the island's air connection is not only about tourism development and the local economy, but also about social cohesion, equal treatment of residents, and safety and emergency services. We must not forget that this year the island was hit by devastating fires that destroyed its natural and animal wealth, and particular emphasis should be placed on supporting residents and businesses.
According to Article 101(4) of the Constitution, when acting in a regulatory capacity, the legislature and the administration are required to take into account the special conditions of island regions, ensuring their development.
In this context, the upgrade and expansion of Kythira State Airport is a necessary and timely intervention, capable of strengthening the island's competitiveness, ensure direct connections with central and northern Europe, and create new prospects for the local community.
The recent unanimous decision of the Municipal Council of Kythira (Decision No. 039/30.06.2025) documents the need to complete the studies and obtain full licensing for the extension of the runway and the implementation of the accompanying upgrade works.
It should be noted that the study for the extension of the runway, together with the accompanying airport upgrade works, has been requested by the people of Kythira for over twenty years. The airport can only comfortably accommodate helicopters, as new jet aircraft cannot easily land on the 1,400-meter runway. This has resulted in the discontinuation of charter flights to Kythira, which had been operating for two and a half decades, and unfortunately this has had an impact on the length of the tourist season, which remains at 60 days.
The importance of the project is obvious. It is a critical infrastructure for the development of the island, serving existing visitors and paving the way for the expansion/extension of the tourist season. But at the same time, it is vital for the safe transport, in all conditions, of islanders who are often cut off due to the limitations of the existing airport's infrastructure and the smaller aircraft currently operating flights to Kythira.
If we are serious about supporting insularity, this project is a top priority. This serious issue must be resolved as soon as possible.
Following the above, the Administration of the Region of Attica is asked
(according to the Rules of Procedure of the Regional Council)
Does the Regional Governor intend to include the above project, as promised, in the Attica Region's Program of Projects to be Implemented, with immediate provision of the necessary funds to finance the final studies and tender documents?;
For the Party
«Attic Circle of Cooperation and Trust»
The Regional Councilors
Kazakou Maria
Logothetis Katerina
