Support

Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport

About the Airport

Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true landmark featuring one of the most picturesque runways in Europe. Passengers land practically on the water, flying past the famous Vlacherna Monastery and Mouse Island (Pontikonisi), offering unforgettable emotions before your holiday even begins. The air harbour is located incredibly close to the island's capital, allowing you to reach the city centre in just a few minutes.
IATA Code CFU
ICAO Code LGKR
City Kerkyra (Corfu)
Distance to Centre ~3 km
Status International
Annual Passengers Over 4 million (2024)
Schedule
Airport Features and Highlights: * Unique Location: The runway is situated in the Chalikiopoulou Lagoon, creating the sensation that the aircraft is touching the sea surface during take-off and landing. * Spotter's Paradise: The observation deck on Kanoni Hill and the pedestrian bridge across the bay allow for plane spotting from a distance of just a few dozen metres. It is one of the best places for aviation photography in the world. * Accessibility: Thanks to its proximity to the city, reaching the centre is very quick and affordable — via the "Blue" city bus No. 15 or by taxi. * Compactness: The airport is small, which makes navigation easy; however, during the high season, it handles a huge volume of flights from all over Europe. * Amenities: Despite its size, there are Duty Free shops, car rental desks, cafés, and ATMs. Please note that boarding is usually conducted via buses, as there are no passenger boarding bridges (airbridges).

Contact Information

  • Official Website: www.cfu-airport.gr
  • Help Desk Phone: +30 26610 89600
  • Address: Corfu International Airport "Ioannis Kapodistrias", 491 00, Kerkyra, Greece
  • Email: For general enquiries, it is recommended to use the contact form available on the airport's official website.
  • Social Media: Current links to the airport's official pages on social networks, such as Facebook or Instagram, are typically posted on their website.
  • Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage was lost during the flight, you should first contact your airline's Lost & Found counter at the airport. If you have left personal items in the terminal building, please contact the general airport information service.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance or consultation, you may call the general airport help desk number.

How to Get to the Airport

Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport (CFU) is located just 3 kilometres south of the city centre of Corfu, making the journey there quick and convenient. You can get from the airport to the city or your hotel in several ways; the choice depends on your budget, the amount of luggage, and your holiday plans in Greece.

The most budget-friendly method is the public bus. Route No. 15 of the Blue Bus line connects the airport with the city centre, including San Rocco Square and the intercity bus station. The trip takes about 15–20 minutes, and the ticket price generally does not exceed a couple of Euros. This is an excellent choice for travellers with light luggage and those wishing to save money. Keep in mind that buses can be crowded during the high season.

For greater comfort, especially if you are travelling with family or a large number of suitcases, you can use a taxi. The taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals terminal exit. A trip to the centre of Corfu will take just 5–10 minutes and will cost approximately 10–15 Euros. You can also book a private transfer in advance, which is particularly convenient if your hotel is located in a remote area of the island.

If you plan to actively explore the island's picturesque beaches and villages, the best solution is car rental. Offices of many international and local rental companies are located in the arrivals hall of Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport. By booking a car in advance, you can embark on a journey around the island immediately after landing, enjoying complete freedom of movement.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, parking is available. There are zones for both short-term (pick-up or drop-off) and long-term parking. This is convenient if you are leaving a car for the duration of your trip away from the island.

Terminals and Map

The airport on the island of Corfu, known as Ioannis Kapodistrias (CFU), is distinguished by its compactness and simple structure. It operates one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Such an organisation significantly simplifies navigation for travellers — you will not have to worry about transferring between different buildings, as all procedures take place in one location.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building has two main levels:

  • Ground Floor is designated for arriving passengers and flight check-in. Here you will find check-in counters, the baggage reclaim area, and exits to the city for taxis and buses.
  • First Floor is the departure zone. After ascending here following check-in, you will pass through security control, after which you will enter the waiting area with Duty Free shops, small cafés, and boarding gates.

The process for departing and arriving passengers is organised sequentially. Upon arrival, you enter the passport control zone (for flights from non-Schengen countries), and then the baggage reclaim hall located on the ground floor. Departing passengers register on the ground floor, drop off their luggage, and then proceed to the first floor to undergo security screening and await their flight.

Despite its small size, during the peak tourist season (July to August), the airport can be quite busy. This leads to queues at check-in and security. It is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance, 2.5-3 hours before an international flight departure. This time will be sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing, even taking possible delays into account.

For convenient navigation, follow the signs, which are duplicated in English. All important flight information is displayed on electronic boards. Since the space is small, it is practically impossible to get lost. The main advice is to keep an eye on the time and your boarding gate number, as it may change shortly before departure.

Airport History

The history of the airport on the island of Corfu, named in honour of Ioannis Kapodistrias, dates back to 1937. It was originally created as a military airfield and was used during the Second World War. After the war ended, the facility passed under the civil control of Greece, and as early as 1949, the first commercial flights began operating from here. However, in those years, the runway was too short, which limited the types of aircraft it could accommodate.

A turning point in its development came in the 1960s when a tourism boom began in the Ionian Islands. To meet the growing demand, the first passenger terminal was erected in 1962, and in 1965, the airport received its first international charter. To accommodate larger liners, a massive reconstruction was required: the runway was extended to its current 2,375 metres. This project was a true engineering marvel, as a significant part of it had to be built on an artificial embankment directly within the Chalikiopoulou Lagoon.

The airport began to acquire its modern appearance in 1972 with the opening of a new, more spacious terminal. It was then that it was given the name Ioannis Kapodistrias — a prominent statesman, diplomat, and the first governor of independent Greece, who was a native of Corfu. This step highlighted the importance of the air transport hub for the entire region.

The newest chapter in the airport's history began in 2017 with the transfer of management to Fraport Greece, which initiated another wave of modernisation. Works were carried out to renovate and expand the terminal, improve infrastructure, and enhance service quality. One of the most memorable features of the airport remains its location: the runway is just a couple of hundred metres from the famous Vlacherna Monastery and Mouse Island (Pontikonisi), making the landing of aircraft an incredibly spectacular event for tourists.

Services and Amenities

Despite its compact size, Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport offers passengers everything necessary for a comfortable wait before departure. Essential amenities have been thought out to pass the time before boarding the flight.

Feeling hungry? The terminal has several cafés and snack bars where you can have a coffee, grab a sandwich, or try local pastries. The main attraction for shopping is the Duty-Free store, which features a good selection of perfumery, beverages, sweets, and, of course, traditional Greek souvenirs — from olive oil to local delicacies.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay connected or handle work matters. Special stations are equipped for those who need to charge their gadgets. Financial services are represented by ATMs and currency exchange points located in the public area of the terminal.

For passengers travelling with small children, there are nursing rooms with changing tables. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance, provided the service was booked in advance through the airline. The airport also has a medical station for first aid.

Although there are no hotels within the airport building itself, its location just a few kilometres from the city of Corfu ensures easy access to numerous hotels and apartments. You can reach them by taxi or bus in just 10-15 minutes. Specialised business centres and conference halls are not provided at the airport, as it is primarily oriented towards tourist flows.

Dining

At Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport, travellers will find several convenient options to have a snack or a full meal while waiting for their flight. Dining outlets are located both in the public area before security control and in the secure departure zone, offering menus to suit various tastes and budgets.

Before Security (Landside): Several cafés are located in the public arrivals and departures area. This is an ideal place for those seeing off or meeting passengers, as well as for travellers who have arrived at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Here you can drink excellent coffee, eat a sandwich, or enjoy fresh pastries. This is a great option for a quick or leisurely snack.

After Security (Airside): The main selection of establishments is found in the departure zone. After passing passport control and security screening, passengers have access to several restaurants and dining venues. Here you can find places for a quick bite (such as pizzerias or sandwich bars) as well as restaurants for a more substantial lunch. We recommend looking out for spots offering Greek cuisine — this is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the taste of Greece one last time by ordering gyros, souvlaki, or a traditional Greek salad.

For those adhering to specific diets, vegetarian options, such as salads or meat-free sandwiches, can be found in most cafés. The range of gluten-free, vegan, or Halal dishes may be limited, so it is best to check their availability with the staff. The price range at the airport is slightly higher than in the city, which is standard practice. Most establishments in the departure zone operate according to the flight schedule, from early morning until late evening.

Travel Tips

To ensure your journey through "Ioannis Kapodistrias" Airport goes smoothly, it is worth considering a few features of this popular yet compact air hub. Planning your actions in advance will help avoid stress and save your time and nerves.

Arrival Time at the Airport. At the height of the tourist season (June to August), Corfu airport can be very busy. We recommend arriving at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic ones. Even if the terminal seems small, queues for check-in and security can move slowly.

Check-in and Security. If possible, complete online check-in for your flight. This will allow you to either head straight to the baggage drop-off counter or, if you are travelling light, go directly to security control. The screening procedure is standard, but due to the dense flow of passengers, it is better to prepare liquids (in containers up to 100 ml) in a transparent bag and remove laptops and tablets from bags in advance.

Seat Selection on the Plane. Want to take a farewell shot of the island from above? When departing from Corfu, try to secure a window seat on the right side of the aircraft. It is from there that the classic view of the Vlacherna Monastery and the famous Mouse Island (Pontikonisi) opens up, which the liner passes during take-off.

Hand Luggage. In addition to standard restrictions on carrying liquids and sharp objects, pay attention to local souvenirs. Popular gifts from Greece — olive oil and honey — can only be carried in hand luggage in containers of up to 100 ml. Anything larger must be packed in checked luggage.

Passengers with Connections. Corfu Airport is not a major transit hub, and most flights are direct. If you have a self-transfer, be especially careful: you will likely need to collect your luggage, exit the arrivals area, and go through all pre-flight procedures again. Allow at least 3-4 hours between flights for this.

Customs Control. When flying to countries outside the Schengen zone, you will have to undergo passport control. The customs check itself is usually formal, but do not forget about the allowances for importing goods into your destination country, especially regarding restricted beverages and tobacco.

Saving Time and Money. A pre-booked transfer to the airport often turns out to be cheaper than a taxi hailed on the spot. Having a snack and coffee is also more economical in the city — prices at the airport are significantly higher. This also applies to most souvenirs.

In Case of Flight Delay. The airport terminal is small, and in the event of a long delay, leisure options are limited: a couple of cafés and Duty Free shops. We recommend having a book, a charged power bank, or a downloaded film with you. Remember that for significant delays of flights by European airlines, you are protected by passenger rights (EU261), which may provide for food, drinks, and even compensation.

Reached the end of the page?

That means the route is fully explored