Aristoteles Airport

The air gateway to the heart of Western Macedonia, Aristoteles Airport, is a cozy and compact aviation hub serving the famous city of Kastoria and its picturesque surroundings. Located amidst a mountainous landscape, it serves as a starting point for travelers eager to explore the rich history, Byzantine heritage, and unique atmosphere of the lake region. Despite its modest size, the airport plays a vital role in the region's transport system, connecting it with the capital of Greece and opening the way to international routes.

The main advantage of Aristoteles Airport lies in its compactness and convenience. There are no long queues or tiring transfers between terminals here, making the check-in and baggage claim process as fast and comfortable as possible. The airport mainly serves flights to Athens, providing residents and guests of Kastoria with convenient connections to international destinations. For tourists, this is the ideal start for exploring not only Kastoria, famous for its high-quality fur products and the beautiful Lake Orestiada, but the entire Western Macedonia region.

• Official Website: www.kso-airport.gr
• Information Desk Phone: +30 24670 42515
• Airport Address: Argos Orestiko 522 00, Greece
• Email: infokso@fraport-greece.com
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, it is recommended to contact the support service of the airline you flew with directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For general information and assistance at the airport, you can contact the main information desk phone number.

You can reach Aristoteles Airport (KSO), which is located approximately 12 kilometers south of the city of Kastoria, in several ways. The choice of transport depends on your budget, comfort preferences, and travel plans across Greece. Since this is a small regional airport, transport options may not be as diverse as in major aviation hubs.

Taxi or Private Transfer is the fastest and most comfortable way to get from the city to the airport. The journey from the center of Kastoria will take approximately 15–20 minutes. This is an ideal option if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with family. The cost of a taxi ride is usually around 20–25 Euros, but it is always better to confirm the price with the driver in advance or book a transfer through your hotel or an online service to avoid surprises.

Car Rental is an excellent solution for independent travelers wishing to explore the picturesque surroundings. Many rental companies offer vehicle delivery or return services directly at Aristoteles Airport. This allows you to save time and immediately set off on a journey around the region. The airport provides parking where you can leave a car for a short or long term.

Public Transport, unfortunately, is not a reliable way to get to the airport. Regular bus service between Kastoria and the airport is usually absent. Before your trip, it is worth checking current information with the local bus company KTEL, as seasonal routes may sometimes be launched, but in most cases, tourists have to rely on other modes of transport.

Given that Kastoria Airport mainly serves domestic flights, many tourists fly into larger international airports nearby. The main hub of the region is Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG), located about 2 hours away by car. You can also consider flights to Ioannina Airport (IOA) or Filippos Airport (KZI) in Kozani, from where Kastoria is easily accessible by rental car or intercity bus.

Aristoteles Airport (KSO), serving the city of Kastoria, is a small and welcoming regional airport. Its main advantage is simplicity and compactness. There is only one passenger terminal here, which serves both domestic and a few seasonal international flights. This makes navigation intuitively clear even for those visiting for the first time.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. The departure and arrival zones are located in the same building, a short distance from each other. After entering, you will immediately see the check-in counters, followed by the security screening area. The departure hall is small but comfortable. Since there is only one terminal, you do not have to worry about transferring between buildings or using shuttles — everything is within walking distance.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at Kastoria Airport usually takes minimal time. Thanks to the low passenger traffic, long queues for check-in and security checks are a rarity here. As a rule, the entire process from entering the building to arriving at the boarding gate takes no more than 30 minutes. Despite this, the standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure to check in luggage and pass controls without haste.

Orienting yourself in the terminal is very easy, as all key zones are located nearby and equipped with clear signs in Greek and English. You will not need a complex map to find your boarding gate or baggage claim area. This is a perfect example of an airport where everything is designed for a quick and convenient start or end to a journey through northern Greece.

The history of Kastoria National Airport "Aristoteles" (KSO) is inextricably linked with the economic development of the Western Macedonia region. The airport was opened for operation in March 1971, becoming an important transport hub for the city, known for its fur products, and the picturesque Lake Orestiada. Initially, it was a small airfield designed to improve connectivity with other parts of Greece.

The main stage of the airport's development occurred in the late 1990s and early 2000s. During this period, significant modernization was carried out: the runway was widened and lengthened, allowing for the reception of larger aircraft. In addition, a new, more modern and spacious passenger terminal was built, replacing the old, modest building. These improvements were critical for attracting not only domestic but also seasonal charter flights from abroad.

One of the airport's main achievements was ensuring stable and fast connections with Athens, which gave a powerful boost to local business, primarily for Kastoria's famous fur industry. The airport significantly reduced the time for goods delivery and travel for business partners. Although "Aristoteles" Airport cannot boast record passenger traffic on a national scale, its role as an economic catalyst for the region is difficult to overestimate.

Interesting fact: the airport received its name in honor of the great ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, a native of the Macedonia region. Located in a scenic mountainous area near the town of Argos Orestiko, the airport offers passengers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding landscapes during takeoff and landing. Today, it continues to serve as an important gateway for tourists and entrepreneurs wishing to discover the unique beauty and business opportunities of Kastoria.

Aristoteles Airport (KSO) is a small regional airport serving the city of Kastoria and its surroundings in Greece. Given its compact size, the range of services is focused on meeting the basic needs of passengers before departure. Here you will find a comfortable waiting area where you can wait for your flight.

Shopping and dining options at the airport are limited. As a rule, a small cafe or buffet operates for passengers, where you can buy snacks, sandwiches, and hot and cold drinks. There are no full-service restaurants or a large number of shops here. Regarding Duty Free shops, their availability and assortment should be checked on-site, as they may not operate continuously and serve only specific flights.

Basic amenities are usually available in the terminal for the convenience of travelers. Although there are no dedicated premium lounges or VIP zones at the airport, passengers can use free Wi-Fi. The availability of power outlets for charging electronic devices may be limited, so it is better to have a portable charger with you. ATMs and currency exchange points may be absent in an airport of this size, so it is recommended to perform all financial transactions in the city in advance.

The airport provides standard services for passengers with special needs. To receive assistance, such as the provision of a wheelchair, you must notify your airline in advance when booking your ticket. Specialized services for passengers with children are generally limited to the presence of changing tables in the restrooms. A medical station provides first aid if necessary.

There are no hotels, business centers, or conference rooms within the Aristoteles Airport grounds. Travelers requiring overnight accommodation should look for options in Kastoria or nearby settlements. The city is approximately a 15-20 minute drive away, where a wide selection of hotels and apartments for every taste and budget is presented.

Aristoteles Airport (KSO) in Kastoria is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest. The infrastructure corresponds to the compact size of the terminal, and travelers should plan where to have a snack in advance.

Typically, one cafeteria or snack bar operates within the airport territory. It is located in the general area before security control (landside), making it accessible to both departing passengers and those seeing them off. Here you can order standard hot and cold beverages — coffee, tea, juices, water, as well as light snacks.

For a quick bite, sandwiches, pastries, and traditional Greek pies are offered, for example, with cheese (tiropita) or spinach (spanakopita). This is a great way to experience local cuisine in a mini-format. However, finding a place for a full lunch or dinner inside the airport building is practically impossible. If time permits, it is strongly recommended to eat at one of the cozy restaurants in Kastoria itself before traveling to the airport.

Specialized dietary options, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or Halal dishes, are likely not represented in the cafeteria menu. Travelers with strict dietary requirements are advised to bring food with them. Prices in the establishment are standard for small airports in Greece — slightly higher than in the city. The opening hours of the cafeteria are strictly tied to the flight schedule: it opens a few hours before departure and may close shortly after the plane takes off.

Traveling through Aristoteles Airport in the city of Kastoria can be a pleasant and calm start or end to your visit to Greece. To ensure everything goes smoothly, use these helpful tips.

Arrival time at the airport. Aristoteles is a small regional airport, so there are no such queues here as in major hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive 2 hours before departure, especially if you have luggage to check in or are flying on an international charter flight. This time will be sufficient to go through all procedures without haste.

Check-in and security control. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline offers this option. Security control here usually goes faster than in large airports, but the rules are standard: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and laptops and other large electronics need to be removed from your bag.

Choosing a seat on the plane. If it is possible to choose a seat, sit by the window. During takeoff and landing, stunning views of Lake Orestiada and the surrounding mountains open up. Seats in the front part of the cabin will allow you to exit faster upon arrival, while aisle seats provide more freedom of movement during the flight.

Hand luggage rules. It is forbidden to take sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in hand luggage. Liquids can be transported in containers of no more than 100 ml, with a total volume of up to 1 liter per passenger. Always check the current requirements of your airline, as they may differ slightly.

For passengers with transfers. Kastoria Airport mainly serves direct flights. If you have a connecting flight (for example, in Athens or Thessaloniki), clarify at check-in whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the transit airport. As a rule, for domestic flights on a single ticket, luggage is transferred automatically.

Customs control. For most flights arriving from Schengen Agreement countries, formal customs control is absent. If you are arriving from a country outside the Schengen area, you will need to pass through the "green" (if nothing to declare) or "red" (if there are goods to declare) corridor.

Saving time and money. Book a transfer from the airport in advance or study the public transport schedule to avoid overpaying for a taxi. Take a light snack and a water bottle with you (it can be filled after passing security control), as the choice of cafes and shops in a small airport may be limited, and prices inflated.

In case of flight delay. In the event of a flight delay, remain calm. Find out the reason from the airline representative and clarify your rights (EU261 regulation applies in the EU, which provides for compensation and assistance). Ensure that your hand luggage contains everything necessary: a phone charger, a book, medication, and snacks. Since the airport is small, options for long waits may be limited, so be prepared for this.