Astypalaia Airport

Astypalaia Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to the "Butterfly of the Aegean", as this island is often called due to its peculiar shape. There is none of the usual bustle of giant hubs here: a small terminal building and a single runway are surrounded by rugged cliffs and the endless blue of the sea, creating an atmosphere of comfort from the very first minutes after landing. The flight here is part of the adventure itself, as the descent passes over picturesque bays and snow-white houses scattered across the hills. This airport seems to set the rhythm for the entire holiday: calm, measured, and hospitable in the Greek tradition.

Airport Features and Advantages

The main advantage of Astypalaia Airport is its compactness and lack of stress. The entire journey from the aircraft steps to the exit into the city takes just a few minutes, as the baggage claim area is literally two steps from the entrance. It is impossible to get lost here, and check-in procedures are quick, without the endless queues typical of large international airports.

The airport is conveniently located near the village of Analipsi (Maltezana), allowing you to reach popular beaches almost immediately after arrival. Despite its modest size, the air harbour ensures a reliable connection between the island and the mainland, receiving flights from Athens and neighbouring Dodecanese islands. For travellers, this means an easy start to their vacation without tiring waits or complex navigation.

Below you will find contact information to help you reach representatives of Astypalaia Airport (JTY) or find the necessary details.

• Official Website: All essential information about the airport's operations, including flight schedules, is available on the official page of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA): www.ypa.gr.
• Information Desk Phone: For general questions regarding airport operations, you can call: +30 22430 61410.
• Airport Address: Astypalaia Island National Airport "Panagia", Astypalaia, 85900, Greece. The airport is located approximately 12 km northeast of the town of Astypalaia (Chora).
• Email: For official inquiries, you can use the address: kaas@hcaa.gr.
• Social Media: Small regional airports in Greece usually do not have their own social media pages. It is recommended to check the websites of the airlines operating flights to the island for updates.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must contact your airline's Lost & Found service directly. Airport staff do not handle these issues.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general inquiries, you can contact the airport information desk by phone. To resolve issues related to tickets, changing departure dates, or special assistance on board, please contact your airline.

Getting to Astypalaia Island National Airport (JTY) from the main town of Chora and other settlements on the island is quite simple. The airport is located approximately 9 kilometres from Chora, and the drive takes about 15-20 minutes. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose one of several convenient methods.

Public Transport

There is a local bus service on the island. Generally, the bus schedule is synchronized with flight arrivals and departures. This is the most budget-friendly way to get to the airport. Buses run from Chora and the port of Pera Gialos. The ticket price is low, but it is extremely important to check the current schedule in advance, as it may change depending on the season. Information can be found at bus stops or by asking locals.

Taxi and Transfer

A taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Astypalaia Airport. Cars can be found at designated stands in Chora or called by phone. During the peak tourist season (July-August), it is recommended to book a taxi in advance to avoid long waits. The trip will take about 15 minutes, and the cost is usually around 15-20 Euros. Some hotels also offer transfer services for their guests, which can be a convenient alternative.

Car Rental

Renting a car, scooter, or quad bike is a popular choice among tourists wishing to freely explore the island. By renting a vehicle in Chora or another major settlement, you can not only move around Astypalaia with comfort but also easily reach the airport for your flight. Many rental companies allow you to leave the car at the airport parking lot by prior arrangement, which is very convenient.

Airport Parking

Next to the terminal building of Astypalaia National Airport, there is a small public parking lot. It is usually free, but the number of spaces is limited. If you plan to leave your rental car here at the time of departure, it is better to arrive with a little extra time, especially during the high season.

Astypalaia Island Airport (JTY) is a small regional airport serving domestic flights. Its infrastructure is very compact and consists of one passenger terminal, which is used for both arriving and departing passengers. Thanks to its modest size, the airport is extremely simple and understandable for any traveller.

The entire structure of the airport fits into a single building. There are no complex diagrams or long walkways between terminals—they simply do not exist. Immediately after entering, you find yourself in the main hall where the check-in counters are located. The departure and arrival zones are in close proximity to each other. Navigation is intuitively clear: getting lost here is practically impossible, as all functional areas—from check-in to the boarding gate—are located just a few steps away.

A feature of the terminal is its minimalism and functionality. Here you will find only the essentials: a small waiting area, check-in counters, and a security checkpoint. Due to the small number of flights and passengers, all pre-flight procedures, including check-in and security screening, usually take very little time. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1–1.5 hours before departure to complete all formalities without rushing.

The main recommendation for navigating Astypalaia Airport is not to worry. This is a case where the size of the airport works in favour of the passengers, sparing them the stress and haste typical of large aviation hubs. All necessary information is in plain sight, and staff are always ready to help. The simple and logical layout makes the stay at the airport as comfortable and quick as possible.

Astypalaia Airport (JTY), officially named Astypalaia Island National Airport "Panagia", serves as the aerial gateway for the island of the same name in the Dodecanese archipelago (not to be confused with the city of Ermoupoli on Syros island). The history of the airport is primarily the story of transforming a remote island into an accessible tourist destination.

The airport opened in 1972 and was a real breakthrough for Astypalaia. Until that moment, the island was connected to mainland Greece and neighbouring islands only by sea, making trips long and weather-dependent. The advent of air travel, primarily connecting to Athens, radically changed the situation, boosting the local economy and tourism.

Being a small regional airport, it has not undergone the massive reconstructions typical of large international hubs. Its development has focused on maintenance and gradual modernisation of infrastructure. Major stages involved upgrading the runway and the small passenger terminal to ensure flight safety and minimal comfort for travellers. The airport mainly serves turboprop aircraft, such as the ATR 42/72, which are ideally suited for short domestic flights.

Among interesting facts of modern history, it is worth noting that the airport is part of a major environmental project. Astypalaia Island was selected for the "Smart & Sustainable Island" pilot programme, aimed at a full transition to electric vehicles and the use of renewable energy sources. Thus, the airport today is not just a transport facility, but a gateway to one of the most innovative and environmentally oriented islands in Greece.

Astypalaia Island Airport (JTY) is a small regional airport serving mainly domestic flights. The infrastructure here is quite simple and focused on quick and functional passenger service during the summer season. Given its compact size, the range of services is basic, and travellers should be prepared in advance for the absence of many amenities found in large international hubs.

Shopping and dining options at the airport are limited. Typically, there is one small snack bar or café operating here, where you can buy beverages, coffee, sandwiches, and light snacks. There are no full-service restaurants or Duty-Free shops in the terminal. It is recommended to make all major purchases in the island's main settlements.

There are no specialized VIP lounges or business lounges in the airport building. The waiting area is shared by all passengers. Access to Wi-Fi may be unstable or unavailable, so it is better to rely on mobile data. The number of power outlets for charging devices is limited, so a portable power bank will be very useful. ATMs and currency exchange points are not provided here—all financial transactions are best handled in advance.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps and accessible toilets. However, to receive assistance with boarding and disembarking, you must notify your airline in advance. Facilities for passengers with small children are minimal and usually include only baby changing tables in the restrooms. There are no play areas here. Medical assistance is limited to first aid provision.

There are no hotels on the airport territory or in its immediate vicinity. The nearest accommodation options are located in the island's towns, such as Chora and Pera Gialos, which can be reached by taxi or rental car. Conference rooms or business centres are also absent at Astypalaia Airport.

When planning a trip through Astypalaia Island Airport (JTY), it is important to consider that this is a very small regional airport with limited infrastructure. The choice of dining establishments here is quite modest and cannot be compared with large international hubs.

Typically, there is one small snack bar or café operating within the airport grounds, located in the single terminal in the public area before security control. Here, travellers can purchase basic beverages such as coffee, tea, water, and soft drinks, as well as light snacks. The assortment usually includes packaged sandwiches, local pastries (for example, tiropita — a cheese pie), chips, and chocolate.

Specialized dietary options, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes, are likely not to be found here. This airport is also not suitable for a full lunch or dinner. Prices in the café, as in most small island airports, may be slightly higher than in the city.

Our recommendation: Do not rely on Astypalaia Airport for a full meal. It is best to eat at one of the numerous cafés or taverns in Chora (the island's main town) or elsewhere before heading to the airport. The snack bar at JTY is suitable for having a cup of coffee or a quick snack while waiting for your flight.

Astypalaia Airport (JTY) serves as the small but important aerial gateway to the Greek island of the same name. To ensure your journey goes smoothly, make use of these tips adapted for a small regional airport.

Arrival and Check-in. Despite the airport's modest size, it can get quite crowded during the peak tourist season (June to August). It is recommended to arrive 1.5-2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This will give you enough time to check in luggage and pass through security control without rushing. If possible, complete online check-in to save time in the queue at the airline counter.

Luggage and Hand Carry. Standard EU security rules apply at the airport: liquids in hand luggage must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. Pay special attention to your airline's rules regarding the weight and size of hand luggage, as flights to Astypalaia are often operated by small turboprop aircraft with stricter limitations.

Seat Selection and Connections. Flights over the Aegean Sea offer incredible views, so feel free to choose a window seat. Most flights from Astypalaia involve a connection in Athens. If you are flying further, especially with different airlines, allow at least 2-3 hours for the layover. This time will be sufficient to collect luggage, check in again, and pass through screening at the larger Athens airport.

Customs Control. Since the airport mainly serves domestic flights, there is no customs control for passengers arriving from Schengen countries. Screening procedures are standard and usually do not take much time.

Saving Time and Money. To save money, book tickets in advance, especially for the summer months. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security screening, and light snacks, as the selection at the airport may be limited and expensive. The surest way to save time is to travel light and check in for your flight online.

If the Flight is Delayed. Astypalaia Airport has very limited infrastructure. In the event of a flight delay, be prepared for a lack of comfortable waiting areas and a wide selection of cafés. Keep a book, a charged power bank, and headphones with you. Follow information from airline representatives and remember your passenger rights in the EU (Regulation EC 261/2004), which provide for assistance and potential compensation during long delays.