How to exploit 22+1 regional airports

In the next phase the competition that promotes the use of the international Kalamata through a concession contract enters. Although stages are still needed concerning final approvals by joint ministries and the “building” of the final contract, it is estimated that during the summer we will be entering the bidding phase. The scheme that will prevail in the competition of the Ultratame, which will probably participate with 10%, will take over the management, operation, development, expansion, conservation and exploitation of Kalamata International Airport for 40 years. We should also mention that procedures are being promoted for the use of 22 additional regional airports (Karpathos, Chios, Alexandroupolis, Araxos, Limnos, Ioannina, Milos, Naxos, Paros, Ikaria, Kythira, Leros, Sitia, New Anchialos, Kalymnos, Skyros, Syros, Astypalalia, Kastelorizo, Kastoria, Kastoria, Kasos and Kozanis). Through investments Kalamata Airport will be able to welcome an ever increasing number of passengers estimated to reach 500,000 far before the end of the current decade. This increased number of passengers combined with significant private investments in the tourism sector and improved road infrastructure in the county is expected to have a multiplier positive impact on Messinia and the airport’s wider influence zone. As of 2010, Kalamata’s passenger traffic has increased by 250%. In 2022 it exceeded the 351,000 passengers. More generally, they expect a passenger traffic increase of over 40% by 2030, in significant economic benefits for the public, the development of local communities and economies, from the modernisation and upgrading plan of 22+1 air infrastructure. Kalamata International Airport is a dynamic tourist destination, which has dramatically increased passenger traffic in recent years thanks to the Costa Navarino tourist pole belonging to the Constantakopoulos group. The contract is claimed by 4 large investment schemes, such as GEK TERNA S.A., Egis Airport Operation-AKTOR CONCESSIONS SINGLE MEMBER S.A.- Aéroports de la Cote d’Azur, FRAPORT AG- DELTA AIRPORT INVESTMENTS S.A. (of the Konstakopoulos Group). In relation to the 22 districts, most of them need extensive investments and upgrades, there are airports considered to be low traffic, in not particularly tourist areas, and in some the military factor is involved. However, there are also ‘filettes’ in high tourism areas (e.g. Paros, Naxos, etc.), airports that are already being modernised (the two previous but also in Chios, Syros etc.), airports with an upgraded geopolitical status (e.g. Alexandroupolis). However, developments are expected from 2025.