Kasos Island Airport

Kasos Island Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to the world of authentic Greece, where time flows at its own special rhythm. This miniature air harbour is situated right at the edge of the Aegean Sea, and even during descent, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of rocky shores and the blue expanse of water. The airport terminal is so compact and cosy that arriving here feels more like visiting old friends than undergoing formal procedures.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

• Unique Location: The airport is located just one kilometre from the island's capital, the town of Fry. This distance can even be covered on foot while enjoying the sea breeze, or by taxi in just a couple of minutes.
• No Queues: Thanks to the low passenger flow, all pre-flight formalities are completed with lightning speed. There is none of the hustle and bustle of major international hubs here, allowing your holiday to begin without stress immediately after landing.
• Scenic Landing: The runway begins practically at the coastline. Flights are usually operated by small turboprop aircraft (such as the ATR-42 or Dash 8), ensuring an excellent bird's-eye view of the island.
• Homely Atmosphere: The terminal is equipped with the necessary minimum for a comfortable wait, whilst retaining the charm of provincial Greek hospitality.

• Official Airport Website: hcaa.gr (Page on the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority website).
• Information Desk Phone: +30 22450 41587 (Airport Administration).
• Airport Address: Kasos Airport, 85800, Kasos, Greece (located approximately 1 km from the island's capital, Fry).
• Email: daka@hasp.gov.gr
• Airport Social Media: Official social media accounts are not available.
• Lost Luggage Information: Due to the small size of the airport, there is no separate service. It is recommended to contact the airline representative immediately upon arrival or call the administration on the main number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all enquiries, including assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, please call +30 22450 41587.

Getting to the air harbour of Kasos Island is incredibly simple. Because the airport is located just one kilometre from the island's capital, the town of Fry (Fri), the journey takes mere minutes. There is no traffic congestion typical of metropolises or complex navigation here, making the start and end of your journey as relaxed as possible.

Taxi and Transfer

The most popular and reliable way to reach the terminal is by local taxi. Given the size of the island, a trip from the port or the centre of Fry will take about 5 minutes. The fare is usually fixed or negotiable, amounting to approximately 5–10 Euros. However, it is worth noting an important nuance: there is a limited number of cars operating on the island. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to arrange with a driver in advance or ask your hotel host to book a car for a specific time.

Car Rental and Parking

If you have rented a car to explore the secluded beaches and monasteries of Kasos, you can return it directly at the airport before departure (by prior arrangement with the rental agency). The parking area in front of the terminal is small, but there is usually enough space for everyone. The best part is that parking here is free of charge, which is a rarity for most airports in the world.

Walking

Kasos is one of the few places in the world where you can walk to the airport. The distance from the Fry waterfront is about 1,000 metres. If you are travelling with a light backpack and the weather is not too hot, such a walk will take 15–20 minutes and allow you to enjoy views of the Aegean Sea one last time. However, with heavy suitcases, this option is not recommended.

Public Transport

There is a municipal bus service on the island connecting Fry with the villages of Agia Marina, Arvanitochori, and Poli. However, there is no specialised "Airport Express" route here. Buses run infrequently, and their schedule may not coincide with flight times. Relying on public transport for a trip to the airport is not recommended.

Complex Routes and Neighbouring Airports

Since Kasos only accepts small domestic flights, many tourists arrive here with a transfer via larger transport hubs. The closest is Karpathos Airport (only 21 km away), from where you can quickly reach Kasos by ferry or a short flight.

Large international hubs are also popular connecting points. For example, Rhodes Airport and Heraklion Airport on Crete receive numerous charter flights from various countries, after which travellers can transfer to a local flight to Kasos.

If you are planning a journey around the archipelago, it is worth paying attention to Kos Airport or the scenic Santorini International Airport, which, although further away, can be excellent starting points for a grand Greek tour.

Kasos Island Airport (KSJ) is the embodiment of minimalism and functionality. Unlike huge international hubs with their labyrinths of corridors, an intimate atmosphere reigns here. The entire airport complex consists of a single terminal serving all domestic flights. It is a small single-storey building where it is practically impossible to get lost.

Layout and Navigation

Navigation at Kasos Airport is intuitive even for those travelling for the first time. The terminal building is divided into two main functional zones located in immediate proximity to each other:

• Check-in Area: Located right at the entrance to the building. Here you will find airline check-in counters (usually one or two), where passengers drop off luggage and receive boarding passes.
• Waiting Hall: A small space with seats, where passengers enter immediately after passing security control.

There are no complex passageways, floors, or long shuttle rides here. The path from the airport entrance to a seat in the waiting area takes literally a few dozen steps.

Departure and Arrival Zones

The peculiarity of Kasos Airport lies in its compactness, due to which the departure and arrival zones function very dynamically.

Departure Zone

After check-in, passengers pass through the security screening point. The procedure is standard but proceeds much faster and more calmly than in large cities. There is only one boarding gate here. Passengers leave the terminal building and walk to the aircraft across the apron—this is an excellent opportunity to take final photos against the backdrop of the plane and island landscapes (if permitted by staff).

Arrival Zone

Arriving passengers also walk from the aircraft stairs to the terminal building. The arrival hall is a small room. The process of luggage reclamation here often happens in "manual" mode or via a very short belt, adding local colour to the journey. Passport control for domestic flights is usually not required or is a formal identity check.

Terminal Features and Services

It is important for travellers to note that services in the terminal are limited to the bare essentials. You will not find Duty Free shops, business lounges, or large restaurants here.

• Amenities: The terminal has restrooms and a small seating area.
• Dining: It is recommended to bring water and snacks with you, as the café may be absent or operate on an unpredictable schedule.
• Wi-Fi: The availability of stable public internet is not guaranteed, so it is better to rely on mobile data roaming.

Procedure Times

One of the main advantages of Kasos Airport is the speed of service. You do not need to arrive 2–3 hours before departure.

• Check-in: Usually opens 1.5 hours prior and closes 30 minutes before departure.
• Security Screening: Takes from 2 to 5 minutes.
• Optimal Arrival Time: Arriving at the airport 45–60 minutes before departure will be more than sufficient to calmly drop off luggage and complete all formalities without haste.

Navigation Recommendations

The main advice for visitors to Kasos Airport is to relax and not look for complex signs. All processes take place in one visible space. If you have questions, the airport staff, known for their friendliness and knowledge of English, are always ready to help. Since the building is very small, losing each other or the boarding gate here is simply impossible.

The history of the air harbour of Kasos Island is a chronicle of overcoming isolation. Before the advent of air travel, this remote corner of the Dodecanese archipelago depended entirely on maritime transport, which was often interrupted due to storms in the winter period. The construction of the airfield became a vital project for the local population, opening a new era in the island's development.

Key Milestones:

• 1983: Official opening of the airport. In this year, the first aircraft landed on the runway, connecting Kasos with major Greek centres. Initially, the infrastructure was minimal, designed exclusively for basic aviation needs.
• Late 1980s – 1990s: The period of establishing regular services. The main carrier became the national airline Olympic Aviation (now Olympic Air), which included the island in its network of subsidised routes ensuring social connectivity between the islands and the mainland.
• 2000s: Works carried out to strengthen and maintain the runway surface. Given the proximity of the sea (the strip begins literally at the water's edge), the infrastructure requires constant protection from corrosion and the effects of salty wind.

One of the main features of the airport's history is its constancy. While other Greek airports expanded and were rebuilt for the needs of mass tourism, Kasos Airport retained its original, intimate appearance. No large-scale reconstruction to enlarge the terminal has been conducted here, as the island's geography and runway length physically limit the reception of large liners.

Records and Interesting Facts:

Kasos Airport is known in the aviation world thanks to a unique route connecting it with the neighbouring island of Karpathos. This flight is rightfully considered one of the shortest regular passenger flights in the world.

• "The Five-Minute Flight": The distance between Kasos and Karpathos airports is only about 20 kilometres. Time in the air often does not exceed 5–6 minutes, and the entire process from takeoff to landing takes less time than the flight attendants' safety briefing before departure. This is a unique record that attracts aviation enthusiasts.
• Challenge for Pilots: A runway length of less than 1,000 metres requires high skill from pilots. Strong crosswinds, characteristic of the Aegean Sea, make landing here a task accessible only to experienced crews on manoeuvrable turboprop aircraft.
• Vital Artery: For local residents, the airport is not just transport, but access to medicine and education. Historically, flight schedules are arranged taking into account the needs of islanders so they can fly to Rhodes in the morning for business and return in the evening.

Kasos Island Airport (KSJ) is a small municipal air terminal where infrastructure is kept to a necessary minimum. Passengers should not expect the level of service found in large international hubs here. The main advantage of this place is speed and the absence of crowds, so long waits for flights are rare. Nevertheless, it is worth familiarising yourself with the available amenities in advance to plan your time.

Restaurants, Cafés, and Shops

In the terminal building, opportunities for shopping and gastronomy are extremely limited. There are no Duty Free shops, clothing boutiques, or souvenir stalls here. Travellers are strongly advised to purchase everything necessary (including memorable gifts and local products) in advance in the town of Fry.

Regarding food, a small buffet or snack bar may operate at the airport, offering coffee, soft drinks, and light snacks (sandwiches, biscuits). However, its operating schedule is often tied to the flight timetable or season, so it is better to have a supply of water and snacks with you, especially if you are travelling with children.

Waiting Halls and VIP Services

The terminal features one general waiting hall. There are no dedicated business lounges or VIP lounges at Kasos Airport. Given the intimate atmosphere and small number of passengers, the general hall is usually quiet enough and there are always free seats available, making the need for a separate zone of enhanced comfort minimal.

Connectivity and Electronics

The public Wi-Fi network in the terminal may work unreliably or be absent altogether. It is recommended to rely on mobile internet (the signal from mobile operators in this area is usually good). Specialised charging stations for gadgets are not provided, however, several standard wall sockets can be found in the waiting hall. If your devices require charging, it is wise to bring a power bank.

Financial Services

There are no ATMs or currency exchange points in the airport building. Since the nearest town of Fry is only 1 kilometre away, all financial transactions should be conducted there before arriving at the airport. Most taxi drivers and small traders on the island prefer cash Euros, so ensure you have small denominations in advance.

Medical Services

There is no full-scale medical centre with a doctor at the airport. Staff are trained in first aid and have a first aid kit for emergencies. For serious health issues, assistance can be obtained at the medical centre in the town of Fry, which is a few minutes' drive away.

Services for Passengers with Children

Specialised mother-and-child rooms or play areas are absent in the terminal. However, thanks to the compactness of the airport and quick screening procedures, children do not have to wait long for boarding. Airport staff are traditionally friendly to family travellers and try to expedite formalities.

Services for Passengers with Reduced Mobility

The terminal building is single-storey, which significantly facilitates movement: there are no stairs, lifts, or escalators here. Entrance to the airport and exit to boarding are at ground level.

• Boarding the Aircraft: Since there are no jet bridges and aircraft park on the apron, boarding may require assistance. The airport has equipment (ambulift or ramps) for boarding passengers with reduced mobility.
• Important: You must notify your airline of the need for assistance at least 48 hours before departure so that airport staff are ready to meet and accompany you.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are no hotels within the airport territory itself, but this is not a problem. Thanks to the proximity to the island's capital, the journey to any guest house takes mere minutes.

• In Fry: The majority of hotels and apartments are concentrated in the capital (1–1.5 km from the terminal).
• Emporios: A popular resort village with beaches is located approximately 2–3 km from the airport.

Business Services

Conference rooms, printing services, or business centres are absent at the airport. This place is oriented exclusively towards the transport function for tourists and local residents.

Given the miniature size of Kasos Airport (KSJ) and its modest passenger flow, travellers should not count on a diverse gastronomic experience directly in the terminal. Catering here corresponds to the "micro-airport" format, where the main goal is to meet the basic needs of passengers before a short flight.

Cafés and Food Points

Usually, one small buffet (snack bar) operates in the single terminal building. This establishment is universal and serves both those meeting passengers and those departing.

• Location: The buffet is located in the public area (landside), next to the check-in counters and the waiting zone. Due to the compactness of the building, it is accessible from practically any point in the hall. After passing security into the "sterile" area (airside), there may be no opportunity to buy food, so take care of snacks before passing through the metal detector.
• Assortment: The menu is extremely limited. Mainly, hot and cold drinks (coffee, tea, bottled water, juices) are offered here, as well as light pre-packaged snacks (crisps, crackers, chocolate bars, croissants).
• Opening Hours: The buffet's schedule is not rigidly fixed and is tied to the flight schedule. The point opens shortly before check-in begins and closes after the aircraft departs. On days when there are no flights, the terminal and buffet are closed.

Local Cuisine and Specialities

It is impossible to find full meals of the famous Kasian cuisine (such as dolmadakia or pasta with sitaka) in the airport itself. Sometimes fresh Greek pies (tiropita or spanakopita) from local bakeries may be sold at the buffet, but their availability depends on the season and time of day. This is an excellent option to try something authentic "for the road" if you are lucky with the assortment on the day of departure.

Dietary Catering (Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free)

There is no specialised menu for people with specific dietary needs at the airport.

• Vegetarians may find cheese pies or sweet pastries.
• Vegans and people with gluten intolerance are strongly recommended to bring food with them. The assortment is limited to packaged snacks, the composition of which may not suit strict dietary requirements.
• Halal: There is no specific Halal certification for products in the buffet.

Price Range

Prices at Kasos Airport are moderate, slightly higher than in ordinary shops on the island, but significantly lower than in major international hubs like Athens or Heraklion. A cup of coffee or a bottle of water will cost a budget-friendly amount (usually up to 3–4 Euros).

Recommendations for Passengers

Since the airport is located just 1 kilometre from the island's capital, Fry, the best dining strategy would be:

1. For a full lunch: Visit one of the tavernas in the port of Fry before travelling to the airport. There you can enjoy fresh seafood and local hospitality without haste.
2. For a quick snack: Buy sandwiches or fruit at a supermarket in town and take them with you.
3. At the airport: Limit yourself to purchasing water or coffee to pass the short waiting time for boarding.

Travelling through Kasos Island Airport is a unique experience, bearing little resemblance to flights through busy international hubs. To ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, it is worth considering the specific operations of small Greek island airports.

Optimal Arrival Time

Unlike large airports, there is no need to arrive 2–3 hours in advance here. Kasos Airport is very compact, and queues are a rare phenomenon. The optimal solution is to arrive at the terminal 50–60 minutes before departure. This time is quite sufficient to drop off luggage without haste, pass security control, and have a coffee. Remember that check-in counters usually close strictly 30 minutes before the flight departs.

Check-in and Screening Features

Procedures here are standard for the European Union but take place in a more relaxed atmosphere.

• Documents: Even though flights are domestic, always keep your passport or ID card with you. Identity checks are always conducted.
• Electronic Boarding Passes: Although most airlines accept mobile boarding passes, systems in small airports can sometimes fail. It is recommended to have a printed copy or a screenshot of the code on your phone.
• Liquids: The rule for carrying liquids (containers up to 100 ml in a transparent bag) applies here too, despite the airport's miniature size.

Seat Selection on the Plane

Flights to Kasos are operated by small turboprop aircraft (such as ATR or Dash 8), which fly at relatively low altitudes.

• For Views: It is strongly recommended to choose a Window seat. During landing approach or takeoff, stunning panoramas of the rocky coastline, the blue Aegean Sea, and neighbouring islands open up.
• Noise: If you are sensitive to noise, try not to sit in rows located directly opposite the propellers (usually the front part of the cabin or the middle, under the wing). It is generally quieter in the tail of the aircraft.

Hand Luggage: Important Nuances

Due to the small size of the aircraft, overhead bins in the cabin are very tight. A standard cabin-size suitcase may simply not fit there.

• "Delivery at Aircraft" Procedure: If your hand luggage does not fit in the overhead bin, staff will ask you to leave it on a trolley right by the aircraft stairs before boarding. Upon arrival, you will collect it at the same place after disembarking. This is free and convenient, but do not forget to remove valuables, electronics, and documents from the bag before handing it over.

For Transfer Passengers

Kasos Airport serves only direct flights from neighbouring islands (Karpathos, Rhodes, Crete). If you are flying in transit through Rhodes or Athens onwards to Europe, be aware that luggage is not always checked through to the final destination if tickets were purchased on separate bookings. Always check at the counter whether you need to collect your suitcase at the intermediate airport.

Customs Control

Since the airport has domestic status, there is no customs control here. If you are flying from abroad with a connection, you will pass customs at the first point of entry into Greece (usually Athens or Rhodes). At Kasos, you simply collect your luggage and exit into the town.

Tips for Saving Money

• Transfer: If you have little luggage, do not spend money on a taxi. You can walk to the central square of Fry in 15–20 minutes.
• Water and Food: Prices at the airport are reasonable, but the choice is meagre. Buy water and sandwiches at a regular supermarket in town before leaving—it will be cheaper and tastier.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

Kasos is known for its strong winds, especially in summer (the Meltemi season). Due to the short runway and complex terrain, flights may be delayed or cancelled more often than on the mainland.

• Plan "B": If the plane is cancelled due to wind, the only alternative becomes the sea. Check the ferry schedule to Karpathos or Crete. Ferries are less sensitive to wind than light aircraft.
• Waiting: If the flight is delayed for a long time, there is no sense sitting in the terminal. Return to the town of Fry (it takes 5 minutes by taxi), where you can comfortably wait out the bad weather in a taverna.