Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Greece’s ambitious Summer 2025 seaplane network has hit a major obstacle as the iconic islands of Santorini and Milos are officially excluded from operations due to escalating safety disputes and mounting marine traffic concerns raised by local port authorities. While Hellenic Seaplanes continues to move forward with its revolutionary plan to transform domestic travel across dozens of Greek destinations, fierce opposition from officials on these two high-demand tourist hotspots has forced the company to leave them off its initial route map, marking a significant setback for Greece’s bold tourism expansion strategy.
Santorini and Milos Block Seaplane Operations as Hellenic Seaplanes Pushes Forward With 2025 National Network
Two of Greece’s most famous islands, Santorini and Milos, will not be part of Hellenic Seaplanes’ highly anticipated 2025 national seaplane network, following a decision by local port authorities to deny operational approval over safety concerns. The refusal marks a significant roadblock for the ambitious project that aims to reshape how travelers move across Greece’s vast archipelago of islands and coastal towns.
Safety Concerns Lead to Operational Ban on Two Popular Destinations
The port authorities of Santorini and Milos have raised multiple concerns regarding the operation of seaplanes in their respective harbors. Their objections focus primarily on safety risks associated with water runways, given the busy marine traffic and unique topography of these highly trafficked tourism hubs. The authorities’ decision effectively removes both islands from Hellenic Seaplanes’ growing operational map, despite months of discussions and preparation.
Both islands attract millions of visitors every year, and their exclusion is seen as a substantial loss to the overall network’s coverage. Industry observers have described the move as a “missed opportunity” for the local tourism industry, given the high demand for diversified and efficient travel options in these regions. The introduction of seaplane services was expected to offer a faster, more flexible alternative to the often-crowded ferry routes and limited air services currently available.
Hellenic Seaplanes Moves Forward Despite Setbacks
Despite the setback, Hellenic Seaplanes remains fully committed to its broader vision of revolutionizing domestic travel in Greece. The company has confirmed that it will proceed with the official launch of its seaplane network during the summer 2025 season. This bold plan aims to enhance regional connectivity by combining air and sea transportation to bridge gaps between Greece’s numerous islands and its mainland cities.
The company’s leadership views the exclusion of Santorini and Milos as unfortunate but not insurmountable. In a recent statement, Hellenic Seaplanes emphasized its readiness to work with local authorities in the future while continuing to execute its broader national rollout plan. “We are determined to introduce this new era of mobility, which will ultimately benefit residents, tourists, and the Greek economy as a whole,” the company noted.
First Phase of Network Preparation Already Completed
The initial phase of Hellenic Seaplanes’ operational strategy has already been executed successfully. The company has launched its online booking platform, allowing passengers to start reserving seats for upcoming routes. Flight schedules have been designed to serve a range of destinations, particularly those that remain underserved or difficult to access via existing transportation networks.
Key hubs for the 2025 network include Athens, Skyros, and Ioannina, from where passengers will be able to connect to a variety of islands and coastal cities. Destinations on the network’s map include Patmos, Tinos, Chios, Paxos, Corfu, Volos, Amphilochia, and numerous others. By focusing on remote and less accessible locations, the airline hopes to open up new avenues for tourism, economic activity, and cultural exchange across Greece.
State-of-the-Art Fleet and Infrastructure
Hellenic Seaplanes will operate a modern fleet of amphibious aircraft that can utilize both water landing sites and conventional runways. The company has invested in certified water aerodromes and has secured agreements with multiple coastal cities to ensure safe and efficient operations. This combination of flexibility and advanced safety standards is designed to provide year-round service, even during seasons when conventional ferry or air travel becomes unreliable due to weather or logistical limitations.
The aircraft used in the network are specifically engineered for short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations on water surfaces. Equipped with cutting-edge navigation, safety systems, and emergency response capabilities, the fleet aims to offer passengers not only convenience but also peace of mind.
Demonstration Flights Offered to Address Safety Concerns
In an effort to reassure local authorities and address safety concerns head-on, Hellenic Seaplanes has offered to conduct fully funded demonstration flights in Santorini and Milos. These test flights would allow officials to directly observe operational procedures, safety protocols, and aircraft performance under controlled conditions. The company hopes that such demonstrations might eventually lead to future approvals for operations in these highly desirable destinations.
While these offers have yet to yield a reversal of the initial decisions, Hellenic Seaplanes remains optimistic that ongoing dialogue and greater transparency could open the door for eventual inclusion of Santorini and Milos in subsequent phases of expansion.
A Vision for the Future of Greek Travel
The launch of Greece’s first national seaplane network reflects a growing appetite for innovation in the country’s tourism and transportation sectors. As Greece continues to experience record-breaking tourist arrivals, solutions that reduce travel times, ease congestion, and increase accessibility to lesser-known destinations are increasingly vital.
Greece’s bold 2025 seaplane expansion faces a major setback as Santorini and Milos are blocked from the network due to explosive safety disputes and rising marine traffic risks.
Hellenic Seaplanes believes its hybrid air-sea model can become a key pillar in the future of Greek tourism, offering unique travel experiences while stimulating local economies. Even as some destinations remain off-limits for now, the broader rollout of the service is set to significantly enhance Greece’s already world-renowned appeal as a tourist hotspot.
