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Kavala International Airport

About the Airport

Kavala International Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Kavala International Airport, named "Megas Alexandros" (Alexander the Great), serves as the main air gateway for travelers heading to Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. This cozy and functional air hub is the starting point for exploring not only the picturesque city of Kavala but also the emerald island of Thassos, which is easily accessible from the nearby port. The airport handles both scheduled domestic flights and seasonal international charters from many European cities, coming to life during the tourist season.

IATA Code KVA
ICAO Code LGKV
City Kavala
Distance to center approx. 30 km
Status International
Annual Passengers over 250,000 (2022)
Popular Airlines Aegean Airlines, Eurowings, Condor
Schedule Online Flight Board "Kavala International Airport"

Despite its modest size, "Megas Alexandros" Airport offers all the necessary services for a comfortable start or end to your journey. Here you will find car rental desks, a cozy cafe, a Duty Free shop, and ATMs. Its main advantage is its convenient location, allowing quick access to key tourist centers in the region, including the cities of Xanthi and Drama, as well as the ferry crossing to Thassos Island. The airport has a single runway 3,000 meters long, capable of accommodating various types of aircraft. Its compactness makes navigating the terminal simple and fast, which is particularly appreciated by tourists.

Contact Information

  • Official Website: www.kva-airport.gr. Here you will find flight schedules, service information, and general airport rules.
  • Information Desk Phone: +30 25910 53400. This is the main number for contacting the airport regarding general inquiries and passenger support.
  • Address: Kavala Airport "Megas Alexandros", Chrysoupoli 642 00, Greece. The airport is located approximately 30 kilometers from the city of Kavala, near the town of Chrysoupoli.
  • Email: For general inquiries, you can contact info.kva@fraport-greece.com.
  • Lost & Found: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should contact your airline's representative or the ground handling agent at the airport directly (major operators are Goldair Handling and Skyserv).
  • Social Media: There are no specialized social media pages for Kavala Airport. Major news and updates are published on the official channels of the operating company, Fraport Greece.

Getting to the Airport

Kavala International Airport "Megas Alexandros" (KVA) is located approximately 30 km east of the city, near the town of Chrysoupoli. There are several ways to get to or from the city center, each offering its own advantages depending on your budget and travel plans in Greece.

Public Transport is mainly represented by KTEL buses. This is the most budget-friendly way to get to the city. Buses run between the airport and Kavala's central bus station. The schedule is often coordinated with flight arrivals and departures, so it is recommended to check current information on the carrier's website. The trip takes about 30-40 minutes, and the ticket price is usually around 5-7 Euros.

Taxi and Private Transfer are the most comfortable and fastest options. The taxi rank is located directly outside the arrivals terminal exit. A trip to the center of Kavala will take approximately 30 minutes, but will cost significantly more — roughly 40-50 Euros. To avoid queues and secure a fixed price, you can book a private transfer in advance. This option is particularly convenient if you are traveling with family, large luggage, or arriving late at night.

Car Rental is an ideal choice for those planning to actively explore the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region. Several international and local rental company desks operate at the airport. Having your own car provides freedom of movement, allowing easy access not only to Kavala but also to neighboring resorts, the ferry crossing to Thassos Island, or picturesque cities such as Xanthi and Drama. The route to the city follows the modern Egnatia Odos highway.

For travelers arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicles, parking is available. The airport grounds feature both short-term and long-term parking zones. This is a convenient option if you plan to leave your car during your absence or are picking up arriving passengers.

Terminals and Map

Kavala International Airport "Megas Alexandros" (KVA) is a compact and convenient aviation hub serving both domestic and international flights. Its key feature is that it consists of a single two-story passenger terminal. This building handles all operations: arrivals, departures, check-in, and security screening, making navigation extremely simple and intuitive for travelers.

The terminal structure is logical and will not cause difficulties even for first-time visitors. The ground floor houses the check-in area and airline counters, as well as the arrivals hall with baggage claim belts. After check-in, passengers proceed to the upper floor, where the security screening and passport control area is located, followed by a small but functional departures hall. Here you will find boarding gates, Duty-Free shops, and several cafes. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers or shuttles — everything is within a few minutes' walk.

The time required to complete all formalities depends heavily on the season. The airport serves many charter flights during the summer tourist season (June to September), and it can be quite busy during this time. In peak months, check-in and security checks can take up to 1-1.5 hours. In the off-season, all procedures usually take no more than 20-30 minutes. Arrival and departure halls are clearly separated, eliminating confusion in passenger flows.

For a comfortable journey through Kavala Airport, it is recommended to follow simple rules. At the height of the tourist season, arrive at the airport in advance — at least 2.5-3 hours before an international flight departure. During the rest of the year, 1.5-2 hours is sufficient. All signage is duplicated in English, and thanks to the terminal's compact size, getting lost here is practically impossible. Simply follow the "Departures" or "Arrivals" signs, and you will easily find the zone you need.

Airport History

The history of Kavala International Airport (KVA), named "Megas Alexandros" (Alexander the Great), did not begin at its current location. Initially, from 1952, the region's air traffic was served by an airfield in the Amygdaleonas area, which combined civil and military functions. However, with the growth of tourist flow and regional development, the need arose for a more modern and larger air harbor.

A turning point was the opening of the new airport on October 12, 1981, at its current location, approximately 30 kilometers from the city, near Chrysoupoli. This strategic decision allowed for the creation of infrastructure capable of handling a larger number of flights and passengers. By 1987, the airport received international status, and in 1992, the construction of a new passenger terminal was completed. These events marked the beginning of the active development of international tourism in Eastern Macedonia.

The most modern stage in the airport's history began in 2017, when its management was taken over by Fraport Greece. This marked the start of large-scale reconstruction and modernization. The project significantly expanded and renovated the terminal, increased the number of boarding gates, check-in counters, and control points, thereby increasing capacity and comfort levels for travelers. Today, Kavala Airport represents a modern gateway playing a key role in the transport accessibility of not only the city itself but also the popular resorts of Thassos Island and other regions of northern Greece.

Services and Amenities

Kavala International Airport (KVA) "Megas Alexandros" offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait before their flight. In the terminal, you will find several cafes and bars where you can have coffee, grab a sandwich, or enjoy local pastries. For those wishing to shop, there is a Duty Free store with a range of perfumes, beverages, and tobacco products, as well as shops offering Greek souvenirs, olive oil, and local delicacies.

For travelers who value enhanced comfort, a business lounge is available at the airport, where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere while waiting for your flight. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones or handle work matters. Charging points for mobile devices are also equipped for passenger convenience.

Financial matters can also be handled at Kavala Airport: ATMs and currency exchange points are at passengers' disposal. In case of need, a medical center operates within the terminal building to provide first aid. Families with small children can use the mother and child room, equipped with everything necessary for baby care.

The airport is fully adapted to serve passengers with reduced mobility. Special assistance is provided during boarding and disembarking; however, it is recommended to request this service in advance through your airline. It is worth noting that there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, but many accommodation options can be found in nearby villages and in Kavala itself. There are no specialized conference rooms for business events within the airport.

Dining

Kavala International Airport "Megas Alexandros" (KVA) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite compact but sufficient for a snack before departure. The main options are concentrated in the single terminal and serve both departing and arriving passengers.

The airport operates several café-bars, usually managed by a single operator. One establishment is located in the public area (landside), before security control. Here you can drink coffee or have a snack while seeing someone off or welcoming them. The main food outlet is located in the departure area (airside), after passport and customs control. The assortment here is usually wider and designed for passengers waiting for their flight.

The menu mainly consists of light snacks, sandwiches, salads, desserts, and beverages. For those wishing to try something local, it is worth paying attention to traditional Greek pastries, such as tiropita (cheese pie) or spanakopita (spinach pie). This is an excellent option for a quick and satisfying snack. Of course, you can also order the famous Greek cold coffee here — frappe or freddo cappuccino. For a full lunch, the choice may be limited to ready-made club sandwiches or large salads.

Regarding special dietary needs, the selection may be limited. Vegetarians will likely find a Greek salad or a vegetable sandwich on the menu. Finding certified Halal, vegan, or gluten-free dishes might be difficult, so if you have strict dietary restrictions, it is recommended to bring food with you. Prices at the airport are moderately high, as in most air hubs around the world. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule and may vary depending on the season, but during the summer period, they are open from the first to the last flight.

Travel Tips

Arrival Time at the Airport. Kavala International Airport "Megas Alexandros" (KVA) is not the largest airport in Greece, but during the peak tourist season (June to September), it can get crowded. We recommend arriving 2.5-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you enough time to check in luggage, pass security control, and have a coffee before boarding without rushing.

Check-in and Security Control. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to proceed immediately to the baggage drop-off counter or, if traveling light, head straight to the security screening area. Remember standard security rules: all liquids must be in containers up to 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag, and laptops and other large electronics will need to be removed from your bag.

Seat Selection. Want to enjoy stunning views? Choose a window seat. During takeoff or landing in Kavala, picturesque panoramas of the Aegean Sea and the coastline open up. If comfort and the ability to stand up freely without disturbing neighbors are more important to you, your choice is an aisle seat.

Hand Luggage. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml (except those purchased in Duty Free) in hand luggage. Ensure that all valuables, documents, necessary medications, and a portable charger are with you. It is also a good idea to pack a light snack in your bag — prices at the airport can be high.

Connecting Passengers. Kavala Airport is rarely used as a major transit hub, but if you do have a connecting flight, clarify at check-in whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. The terminal here is single and compact, so getting lost will be difficult, but always allow extra time for passing control if you are transferring from an international flight to a domestic one or vice versa.

Customs Control. When entering Greece from a non-EU country, follow the "Green" and "Red" channel system. If you have no goods to declare, proceed through the "Green" channel. If you are carrying something that needs to be declared (for example, large sums of cash or expensive goods), head to the "Red" channel. On departure, customs control usually proceeds quickly.

Saving Time and Money. To save money, bring an empty reusable water bottle — it can be filled after passing security. A pre-booked hotel transfer is often cheaper than a taxi taken on the spot. And to avoid wasting time, keep your passport and boarding pass handy.

Flight Delays. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative to find out the reason and your rights. Depending on the length of the wait, you may be provided with vouchers for meals or even hotel accommodation. There are cafes and free Wi-Fi at the airport to help pass the time.

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