Airports On Greek Islands: Which Greek Islands Have Airports?

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Post author SJ

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Greece has one of the most extensive island aviation networks in Europe, with dozens of islands connected by domestic and seasonal international flights. Some islands have year-round airports with frequent service from Athens, while others only receive international flights during the summer.

After years of traveling across the Greek islands, using everything from tiny island runways to major international hubs, my guide breaks down exactly which islands have airports, which ones handle international flights, and how travelers realistically get around.

Whether you’re planning a summer island-hopping trip or traveling outside peak season, this is the most current, practical overview of airports on the Greek islands.

Greece Travel Blog_Airports On Greek Islands

Flights To Greek Islands – International Airports In Greece

There are roughly 16 Greek islands with airports that handle international flights (many seasonally) and around 14 islands with airports that primarily operate domestic flights. Most international routes to Greek island airports are seasonal, typically running from April to October.

This means that around 30 Greek islands are served by airports, either located on the island itself or via nearby mainland airports.

Evia’s Exception: Think every Greek island group has an international airport? Almost! Evia is the charming exception. Nestled close to mainland Greece, it invites you to fly into Athens and embark on a short, scenic journey to its shores.

Speedy Escapes to Island Paradises: While the allure of a leisurely ferry ride is undeniable, sometimes your heart yearns for a quicker escape to island bliss. That’s where our handy guide swoops in!

🌐 Navigate with Ease: Behold our interactive map – your visual gateway to the Greek islands’ airports.

📋 Listed for Convenience: Just below, find a meticulously curated list of Greek islands, each with its very own portal to the skies.

Whether you’re a planner or a spontaneous traveler, this guide is your key to unlocking the fastest routes to your Greek island adventure. Let the journey begin!

Map Of Greek Island Airports By Region

  1. Astypalaia
  2. Corfu
  3. Crete
  4. Karpathos
  5. Kefalonia
  6. Kos
  7. Lemnos
  8. Lesbos
  9. Milos
  10. Rhodes
  11. Samos
  12. Santorini
  13. Skiathos
  14. Zakynthos
  15. Lefkada (served via Preveza Airport)
  16. Thasos (served via Kavala Airport)

Greek Island Airports, IATA Codes, And Flight Type

Airports On Greek Islands - Greek Islands With Airports - Athens Airport

Adore the clarity of tables? You’re in for a treat! Navigate through our table below to effortlessly discover your dream Greek island. In this easy-to-read format, each island’s secrets are unveiled, revealing the type of airport awaiting your arrival and its IATA code.

🛬 Quick Glance, Fast Plans: No need to sift through endless text. Our table makes your travel planning a breeze. Spot your island, note its airport type, and jot down the IATA code. It’s that simple!

🏖️ Island Hopping Made Easy: Whether you’re plotting a serene escape to sandy beaches or a bustling adventure in a lively town, this table is your first step on a journey of unforgettable memories.

Island Airport Name IATA Code Type
Crete Chania Airport – Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport CHQ International
Crete Heraklion Airport – Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis Airport HER International
Crete Sitia Airport – Vitsentzos Kornaros Airport JSH

Domestic, with limited seasonal international charters

Corfu Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport CFU International
Karpathos Karpathos Island National Airport AOK International (seasonal)
Kefalonia Kefalonia International Airport Anna Pollatou EFL International
Kos Kos International Airport KGS International
Lemnos Lemnos International Airport “Hephaestus” LXS Domestic, with limited seasonal international charters
Lesbos Mytilene International Airport “Odysseas Elytis” MJT Domestic, with limited seasonal international charters
Mykonos Mykonos International Airport JMK International
Rhodes Diagoras International Airport RHO International
Santorini Airport Santorini (Thira) International Airport JTR International
Samos Samos Aristarchos International Airport SMI International
Skiathos Skiathos Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport JSI International
Zakynthos Zakynthos “Dionysios Solomos” Airport ZTH International
Lefkada (served via mainland) Aktion National Airport (Preveza) PVK International
Thasos (served via mainland) Kavala International Airport “Alexander the Great” KVA International
Astypalaia Astypalaia Island National Airport JTY Domestic
Chios Chios Island National Airport JKH Domestic
Ikaria Ikaria Island National Airport JIK Domestic
Kalymnos Kalymnos Island National Airport JKL Domestic
Kasos Kasos Island Public Airport KSJ Domestic
Kastellorizo Kastellorizo Island Public Airport KZS Domestic
Leros Leros Municipal Airport LRS Domestic
Kythira Kithira Island National Airport KIT Domestic
Milos Milos Island National Airport MLO Domestic
Naxos Naxos Airport – Naxos Island National Airport JNX Domestic
Paros New Paros Airport PAS Domestic
Skyros Skyros Island National Airport  SKU Domestic
Syros Syros Island National Airport  JSY Domestic

Brands We Use And Trust

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FIND ACCOMMODATION DEALS

Mainland Greece Airports Used For Island Travel

Aegean Airlines Airbus A320 at Santorini International Airport

There are two main hub airports in Greece: Athens International Airport (ATH), the busiest overall, followed by Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG).

That said, the island airports of Santorini, Heraklion, and Mykonos are also very popular and have extensive flight options, while Paros is served by frequent domestic flights, particularly from Athens.

AIRPORTS ON GREEK ISLANDS

Here is where you can find the Greek Islands with airports:

Airports On Crete

  1. Chania
  2. Heraklion

Cyclades Airports – Which Cyclades Islands Have Airports

  1. Mykonos
  2. Santorini

Cyclades Islands Travel Information.

Dodecanese Airports

  1. Karpathos
  2. Kos
  3. Rhodes

Dodecanese Islands Travel Information.

Northeastern Aegean Airports

  1. Lesvos
  2. Lemnos
  3. Samos

Aegean Islands Travel Information.

Ionian Islands Airport

  1. Corfu
  2. Kefalonia
  3. Zakynthos

(Lefkada is served via Preveza Airport on the mainland)

Ionian Islands Travel Information.

Sporades Airports

  1. Skiathos

Sporades Islands Travel Information.

Please note that while these islands have airports, some airports in Greece operate seasonal flights or serve only a limited number of carriers.

Airport Codes In Greece

  • AOK – Karpathos
  • ATH – Athens
  • CFU – Corfu
  • CHQ – Chania
  • EFL – Kefalonia
  • HER – Heraklion
  • IOA – Ioannina
  • JIK – Ikaria
  • JKH – Chios
  • JKL – Kalymnos
  • JMK – Mykonos
  • JNX – Naxos
  • JSH – Sitia (Crete)
  • JSI – Skiathos
  • JSY – Syros
  • JTR – Santorini
  • JTY – Astypalaia
  • KGS – Kos
  • KIT – Kythira
  • KSJ – Kasos
  • KVA – Kavala
  • KZS – Kastellorizo
  • LRS – Leros
  • LXS – Lemnos
  • MJT – Lesvos
  • MLO – Milos
  • PAS – Paros
  • PVK – Preveza (Lefkada)
  • RHO – Rhodes
  • SKG – Thessaloniki
  • SMI – Samos
  • ZTH – Zakynthos

Airlines Flying Between Greek Islands

An airplane seat with a magazine on it, found on routes between Mykonos and Athens.

Wondering which wings will whisk you from one enchanting Greek island to another? Look no further!

We’ve curated a list of the top five airlines that make navigating the Aegean a breeze. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or an adventure-packed holiday, these airlines are your gateway to unparalleled deals and unforgettable experiences in the skies of Greece.

🌟 Fly with the Best: Each airline offers a unique blend of service, comfort, and value. Dive into our selection and find the perfect match for your island-hopping dreams!

Embark on your Grecian adventure with style and ease – happy flying in Greece!

Airline ICAO IATA
Aegean Airlines AEE A3
Bluebird Airways BBG BZ
Ellinair ELB EL
Olympic Air OAL OA
Sky Express SEH GQ

Direct Flights From London To Greek Islands

Direct flights from London operate to Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Kos, and Skiathos, mostly on a seasonal basis.

Cheapest Airports In Greece For Island Access

Airports On Greek Islands - Greek Islands With Airports - Thessaloniki Airport, Greece

Where in the world are you? The answer to this question is too complex. That said, low-cost flights to Thessaloniki are often among the cheapest entry points to Greece, with off-peak one-way fares sometimes dropping below €30 depending on route and demand.

How To Get Between The Islands With No Airports

As you can see from the list above, several islands do not have an airport, in which case you’ll need to use the excellent Greek ferry network. 

Keep in mind that during the summer, popular ferry routes can sell out days in advance, especially in the Cyclades and Dodecanese.


FAQs

Which Greek islands have international airports?

There are around 15 Greek islands with airports that handle international flights (many seasonally), including Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, and Rhodes.

Are there domestic airports on the Greek islands?

Yes, there are around a dozen Greek islands with airports that operate only domestic flights.

Which islands in the Cyclades group have airports?

The Cyclades islands with airports are Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Milos, and Syros.

Which Greek islands offer direct flights from European cities?

Many Greek islands have direct flights from various European cities, including Corfu and Rhodes. Additionally, Athens’ main international airport offers connections to multiple European destinations.

Which are the busiest airports in the Greek islands?

The busiest airports in the Greek islands include those on Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Rhodes, and Crete. These airports see high traffic during the summer season.

How can I reach the most popular Greek islands?

The most popular Greek islands can be reached by direct flights from major European cities to their respective international airports. Additionally, ferry boats are available for travel between islands.

Which islands are part of the North Aegean group and have airports?

Islands in the North Aegean group, such as Lesbos, Samos, and Chios, have airports with domestic flights and limited seasonal international routes.

Which are the largest Greek islands with their own airports?

Crete, the largest Greek island, has its own international airport. Other sizable islands with airports include Rhodes, Corfu, and Zakynthos.

Are there connecting flights available for the smaller Greek islands?

While smaller Greek islands may not have their own airports, connections can be made through the main airports on larger islands or the mainland to reach these destinations.

Is it a good idea to fly into the international airport of Athens and then take a ferry to the smaller islands?

Yes, flying into Athens International Airport and then taking a ferry to the smaller islands is a standard, convenient travel option.

Are there low-cost flights available to the Greek islands?

Yes, many low-cost airlines, such as Ryanair, offer flights to the Greek islands, especially during the peak summer season.

Are there international routes available to the Greek islands?

Yes, there are international routes to the Greek islands, especially to the larger, more popular ones.

Are there connections between the Greek islands and the Turkish coast?

Ferry connections are available between some Greek islands, such as Rhodes, Kos, Chios, Lesvos, and Samos, and the Turkish coast, subject to seasonal schedules and border controls.

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