Ikaria Airport

Ikaria Island National Airport "Ikaros" (JIK) is the main air gateway to the famous Greek "island of longevity." Opened in 1995, this small but vital airport became a key link connecting Ikaria with mainland Greece and other islands. Located in a picturesque area near the village of Faros, it serves as the starting point for travellers eager to experience the unique lifestyle and stunning nature of this location. The airport primarily receives domestic flights, ensuring quick and convenient connections throughout the year.

Despite its modest size, Ikaria Airport plays an indispensable role in the island's transport system. It is the fastest way to reach this secluded corner of the Aegean Sea, especially compared to multi-hour ferry crossings. The airport offers basic amenities, including a small waiting area, a cafeteria, and car rental offices, allowing you to start your journey immediately upon arrival. Given that the number of flights and passengers increases significantly during the summer months and holidays, it is recommended to book flight tickets and transport in advance to ensure a comfortable start to your holiday on this legendary island.

Below you will find contact information for Ikaria Island National Airport "Ikaros" (JIK). Please note that this is a small regional airport, and some communication channels may be less responsive than in major international hubs.

• Official Website: Airport page on the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) website — www.ypa.gr. Here you can find basic information and airport characteristics.
• Information Desk Phone: +30 22750 32216. Use this number for general enquiries about airport operations.
• Airport Address: Ikaria Island National Airport "Ikaros", Faros, Ikaria 833 00, Greece. The airport is located approximately 12 km from the island's capital, Agios Kirykos.
• Email: kaik@hcaa.gr. This is the official address, but for a prompt response, using the telephone is recommended.
• Social Media: Ikaria Airport does not have its own official pages on social media. It is best to check airline websites for up-to-date flight information.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative directly or their ground handling agent at the airport. Airport staff do not handle luggage tracing.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general consultations and support within the airport premises, the main information desk phone number can be used.

Getting to the National Airport of Ikaria (JIK), located approximately 12 km from the capital Agios Kirykos, is quite simple, though it requires some planning. Given the island's mountainous terrain, the choice of transport depends on your budget, time, and desire to explore the surroundings. The airport primarily serves domestic flights, linking the island with Athens and other cities in Greece.

Taxi and Private Transfer — the fastest and most convenient way to reach the airport. The journey from Agios Kirykos will take about 20–30 minutes. A taxi rank is located right outside the terminal exit, but during peak season or for early/late flights, it is recommended to book a car in advance. It is best to confirm the fare with the driver before departure, but expect a cost of around 25–35 Euros. A transfer booked through your hotel may be slightly more expensive but guarantees a timely pickup.

Car Rental — an excellent option for those who value freedom of movement. Many tourists rent a car for the entire duration of their stay on Ikaria to explore its famous beaches and mountain villages. Most rental companies allow you to pick up or drop off the vehicle directly at the airport, which is very convenient. The road to the airport is well signposted. This method allows you to be independent of schedules and transport luggage without hassle.

Public Transport on Ikaria is provided by buses (KTEL). This is the most budget-friendly method; however, bus routes connecting the airport with major settlements run infrequently. Typically, their schedule is coordinated with flight arrivals and departures, but it must be checked at the local bus station or on the official KTEL Ikarias website, as it may change depending on the season. This option is suitable for travellers without a large amount of luggage and with plenty of time.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, a small parking area is provided. There is usually sufficient space for short-term and long-term parking. The car park is located in immediate proximity to the terminal building, making the drop-off and pick-up process as comfortable as possible.

The airport of Ikaria, known as Ikaria Island National Airport "Ikaros" (JIK), is a small aviation hub typical of the Greek islands. There is only one passenger terminal here, which handles all flights — both domestic and seasonal international ones. Thanks to its very compact size, you won't have to worry about complex maps or transfers between terminals — they simply do not exist here.

The airport layout is extremely simple. The single building is functionally divided into several key zones. Upon entering, you find yourself in the general area with check-in counters. The arrivals area consists of a separate small hall with a baggage claim belt and car rental desks. After passing security control, passengers find themselves in the departure lounge, from where boarding takes place, which most often involves a walk to the aircraft across the apron.

Check-in and security procedures at Ikaria Airport usually proceed very quickly. In the low season, this may take just 15–20 minutes. However, at the height of the tourist season (July-August), when several flights may depart within a short interval, small queues may form. To avoid rushing, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure.

Navigating the terminal is very easy; all signs are clear, and getting lost is practically impossible. The main advice is not to expect developed infrastructure with a large number of shops or restaurants from JIK airport. The amenities are basic but quite sufficient for comfortably waiting for your flight. It is a simple and functional air gateway serving as a starting point for exploring this amazing island in Greece.

Ikaria Island National Airport, named after the mythological hero "Icarus", was opened on 14 June 1995. This event was a real breakthrough for one of the most isolated islands in the Aegean Sea. Before the arrival of the air gateway, one could reach Ikaria only by ferry, making the journey long and heavily dependent on sea weather. The launch of the airport radically changed the life of the island, known worldwide for its centenarians and unhurried pace of life.

Initially, the airport was a modest facility with a short runway capable of receiving only small turboprop aircraft. A key stage of modernisation occurred in the early 2000s, when it became obvious that growing tourist interest required expansion. In 2005, a large-scale reconstruction was completed: a new, more spacious terminal was built, and the runway was significantly extended. This allowed the airport to receive medium-haul jet liners, giving a powerful boost to the development of tourism on the island.

Today, "Ikaros" Airport is a vital artery connecting the island with mainland Greece, primarily with Athens. It serves both scheduled domestic flights and seasonal charters. An interesting fact: due to the island's mountainous terrain and frequent strong "meltemi" winds, the approach to land at Ikaria Airport is considered one of the most challenging in Greece and requires special skill from pilots. Despite its compact size, the airport effectively handles the task, welcoming travellers wishing to get acquainted with the unique culture and nature of this legendary island.

The National Airport of Ikaria (JIK) is a compact regional airport offering a basic set of services for a comfortable wait before your flight. Given its small size, the infrastructure here is simple but functional, oriented towards the seasonal tourist flow to Greece.

In the airport's single terminal, there is a small snack bar (cafeteria) where passengers can purchase refreshments, coffee, sandwiches, and light snacks. The choice of establishments and shops is limited, so one should not count on extensive shopping, although souvenirs can be found. There are no specialised waiting lounges or VIP lounges; all passengers wait for departure in the general hall.

Passengers have access to free Wi-Fi, although its speed may be unstable during high airport traffic. The number of power outlets for charging devices is limited, so it is recommended to carry a portable power bank. There are no ATMs or currency exchange points within the airport building, so it is best to handle financial matters in advance in the island's towns.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps and specially equipped restrooms. For assistance with boarding and disembarking, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance. For passengers with small children, mother and child rooms may be available, but there are no specialised play areas. Hotels, conference rooms, or business centres are not provided directly on the airport territory — all accommodation options are located in the nearby resort villages of Ikaria.

Ikaria Airport (JIK) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants as found in major international hubs. Nevertheless, passengers can find everything necessary for a snack before departure.

The main and, as a rule, the only place for food at the airport is a small cafe-snack bar located in the main terminal hall, in the public area (landside), before passing security control. After security (airside), dining options may be unavailable, so it is better to purchase everything you need in advance.

The cafe menu usually features simple and filling options for a quick bite:

• For a quick snack: Sandwiches, croissants, as well as traditional Greek pastries such as tiropita (cheese pie) or spanakopita (spinach pie). This is a great way to try something local without going far from the waiting area.
• For a full meal: Options for a hearty lunch are practically non-existent. The cafe is oriented towards light snacks and beverages. If you are counting on a hot meal, it is better to dine before arriving at the airport.
• Beverages: Here you can order coffee (including the famous cold frappe), tea, soft drinks, and bottled water.

Regarding special dietary needs, the selection will be extremely small. Vegetarians will be able to find spinach or cheese pies. However, finding certified vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes is unlikely. Travellers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to bring food with them.

Prices in the cafe correspond to the average for airports — they are higher than in the city, but not excessively inflated. The establishment's opening hours are directly tied to the flight schedule: it opens a few hours before departure and closes shortly after the last aircraft leaves.

To ensure your journey through the airport on the island of Ikaria goes smoothly, use these tips. The airport here is small, which has both its pros and cons, especially at the height of the tourist season.

Arrival Time: We recommend arriving at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight and 2-2.5 hours before an international or charter flight. In summer and on peak dates, it is better to add another half hour to check in luggage and pass security screening without unnecessary haste.

Check-in and Security: Procedures at a small airport usually go faster, but in the event of multiple flights departing simultaneously, queues may arise. Online check-in for the flight will help save time. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready (in electronic or printed form) to speed up passing through control.

Seat Selection: Want to take beautiful photos as a memory? Choose a window seat. Upon take-off and landing, breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the island's picturesque bays open up, regardless of which side you sit.

Hand Luggage: Standard security rules apply here too: liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag. All sharp objects, including nail scissors, must be checked in as luggage. Power banks are allowed only in hand luggage.

Connecting Passengers: Ikaria Airport mainly serves direct flights. If you have a connection in another city in Greece, for example in Athens, your luggage will likely be transferred automatically when purchasing a single ticket. However, it is always better to clarify this point with the airline representative during check-in.

Customs Control: For flights within the Schengen area, there is no passport control. Customs inspection is carried out selectively. If you are arriving from a country outside the EU or flying to one, you will have to undergo standard procedures.

Saving Time and Money: Book a transfer or taxi in advance to avoid overpaying on the spot. The choice of cafes at the airport is limited, so you can bring a light snack and an empty water bottle, which can be filled after passing security.

Flight Delays: Monitor information on the departure boards and in the airline's app. In case of a long delay, passengers are entitled to drinks and meals at the carrier's expense. Since the waiting area is small, ensure your gadgets are charged, and you have a book or magazine with you to pass the time.