Kos Airport

Kos "Hippocrates" International Airport is the main aerial gateway to one of the most picturesque islands of the Dodecanese in Greece. Named after the greatest physician of antiquity who was born right here, the airport welcomes hundreds of thousands of travellers from all over Europe annually. It is particularly lively during the summer months when the island becomes a centre of attraction for lovers of the sun, sea, and ancient history. Despite its modest size, the airport handles the seasonal influx of tourists excellently, serving as the starting point for an unforgettable holiday.

Although Kos Airport is quite compact, it offers travellers all the necessary services for a comfortable start and end to their journey. In the terminal, you will find Duty-Free shops, several cafes and eateries where you can have a snack before your flight, ATMs, and currency exchange points. For the convenience of passengers, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the territory. You can rent a car immediately upon arrival — counters for both international and local rental companies are located in the arrivals hall. You can get to the city of Kos or other resorts on the island by taxi or scheduled KTEL buses, the stop for which is located next to the terminal exit.

Below you will find the current contact details for Kos "Hippocrates" Airport (KGS), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential queries.

• Official Website: You will always find the most complete and up-to-date information about flights, services, and airport regulations on the official website: www.kgs-airport.gr.
• Information Service Phone: For immediate information, you can call the airport information centre at: +30 22420 56000.
• Airport Address: The airport is located in the central part of the island, near the village of Antimachia. Full address: Antimachia, 853 02, Kos, Greece.
• Email: For general inquiries, you can contact the management company Fraport Greece via email: info@fraport-greece.com.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must first contact your airline's representative or their ground handling agent at the airport. Their contacts are usually listed on the boarding pass or the carrier's website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general passenger support, it is recommended to use the main airport telephone number and email address listed above.

Getting to the "Hippocrates" International Airport (KGS) on the island of Kos is not difficult, as it is conveniently located and connected to all key resorts. The airport is situated approximately 24 kilometres southwest of the island's capital, Kos Town. Depending on your budget, time, and preferences, you can choose one of several modes of transport.

Public Transport is the most economical option. The bus company KTEL organises regular trips connecting the airport with Kos Town, as well as with popular resorts such as Kardamena, Kefalos, and Mastichari. Bus schedules are often coordinated with flight arrivals and departures, especially during the high season. The bus stop is located right at the terminal exit. The trip to the island's capital will take about 40-50 minutes, and the ticket price is usually a few Euros. This is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers.

Taxis and pre-booked transfers offer more comfort and speed. The taxi rank is located at the exit of the arrivals area. A trip to Kos Town will take approximately 30 minutes and will cost on average 35-45 Euros. Prices may vary depending on the time of day and destination. To avoid queues and secure a fixed price, especially if you are travelling with family or large luggage, it is recommended to book a private or group transfer in advance.

Car Rental is the ideal choice for those planning to actively explore the island. Offices of many international and local rental companies are located in the airport building. By picking up a car immediately upon arrival, you gain complete freedom of movement for the entire duration of your holiday in Greece. It is strongly recommended to book a vehicle in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (July-August), to guarantee the availability of the desired model and secure a better price.

If you arrive at the airport in your own or a rented car, parking is at your service. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal and is suitable for both short-term and long-term parking. This is convenient if you are seeing someone off or leaving your car for the duration of your trip. Although Kos Airport is the main transport hub of the island, the nearest major hubs, such as Milas-Bodrum Airport in Turkey or Rhodes Airport, are at a significant distance and require additional ferry connections.

The airport on the island of Kos features one compact passenger terminal that serves all flights. The terminal building is predominantly single-storey, making navigation intuitively clear, although in the peak season, its small size can create some inconvenience due to the large flow of tourists.

The layout of the terminal is extremely simple. Upon entering the building, you find yourself in the general hall where the check-in counters are located. To the left of them is the security screening area, leading to a single departure hall. There is no separation into distinct zones for Schengen and non-Schengen flights here; all passengers wait for boarding together. Signs are in Greek and English, so it is practically impossible to get lost.

Regarding amenities, the selection is basic. There are several ATMs in the public area. Free Wi-Fi is provided, but during peak hours, its speed may be unstable. The number of sockets for charging gadgets is limited, so it is better to bring a portable power bank. The arrivals area is located in the same part of the building and includes baggage claim belts, customs control, and rental company counters situated right before the airport exit.

In the "airside" zone after security, there is a Duty-Free shop with a standard assortment and several small cafes. Given that space is limited and the number of flights in summer months is high, queues for check-in and security control can be significant. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2.5–3 hours before departure to complete all formalities calmly.

The history of the airport on the island of Kos, bearing the name of the famous ancient physician Hippocrates, is inextricably linked with the transformation of this picturesque corner of Greece into a popular international resort. The airport was officially opened on April 4, 1964. Initially, it was a modest facility with a short runway just 1200 metres long, capable of accepting only small aircraft.

As tourist interest in the island grew, the airport infrastructure began to develop actively. A key stage was the reconstruction in 1973, when the runway was extended to 2400 metres. This allowed for the reception of larger charter and scheduled flights from various European countries, which kickstarted the tourism boom. In 1980, a new passenger terminal was built, replacing the original small building, and in 1997 it was further expanded to cope with the increasing flow of travellers.

The most large-scale modernisation in the history of Kos Airport took place recently. In 2017, airport management was transferred to Fraport Greece, which initiated a comprehensive reconstruction programme. As part of this project, a completely new terminal with an area of about 23,000 sq. m was built, and the number of check-in counters, boarding gates, and security checkpoints was significantly increased. These improvements allowed not only for increased passenger comfort but also substantially increased throughput capacity, preparing the airport for future challenges and making it one of the most modern in the region.

Today, "Hippocrates" Airport is an important transport hub of the Aegean Sea, which ranks among the busiest in the country during the summer months. Its history is a vivid example of how the competent development of infrastructure can radically change the economy of an entire island, revealing its beauty to millions of tourists from all over the world.

The airport of Kos (KGS) provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the terminal is well-equipped to meet the basic needs of travellers, especially at the height of the tourist season.

For those who wish to have a snack or make purchases, several cafes and snack bars operate in the airport, where you can drink coffee and eat a sandwich. A central place is occupied by the Duty-Free shop, offering a standard assortment of goods: perfumery, tobacco products, sweets, and souvenirs from Greece. This is an excellent opportunity to buy gifts for loved ones at the last moment.

Staying connected is not difficult: free Wi-Fi is available within the terminal, and there are also zones for charging electronic devices. For financial matters, ATMs and currency exchange points are provided, although the exchange rate may be less favourable than in the city.

For a more comfortable wait, passengers can use the services of the VIP Lounge, access to which is open to Priority Pass holders or for a separate fee. Here they offer beverages, snacks, and a quieter atmosphere. For passengers with special needs, ramps and specially equipped toilets are provided, and assistance with movement around the airport is recommended to be booked in advance through the airline. Families with small children can use the mother and child room.

A first aid point operates at the airport. Regarding accommodation, there are no hotels directly within the terminal building, however, many options — from apartments to resort complexes — are located a few minutes' drive away. Specialised business centres or conference halls are absent in the airport, as it is oriented primarily towards the tourist flow.

At Kos Airport, travellers can find several options for a snack or a full meal before departure. The choice of establishments here is not as large as in major international hubs, but it is quite sufficient to spend time comfortably while waiting for a flight.

The main part of the cafes and dining outlets is located in the departure zone, after passing passport control and security (airside). Establishments operate here offering a standard assortment for travellers: fresh pastries, sandwiches, salads, as well as hot and cold beverages. This is an ideal place for a quick snack if you do not have much time left before boarding. Prices here are generally higher than average for the island, which is typical for most airports.

If you want to try something with local flavour, look for Greek pies, such as spanakopita (with spinach) or tiropita (with feta cheese), which can often be found on the menus of local cafes. Also, do not miss the opportunity to order a cup of invigorating frappe — a cold coffee popular in Greece. For a more substantial lunch, restaurants offering Mediterranean cuisine are best suited.

Regarding special dietary needs, the choice may be limited. Vegetarians will likely find several suitable options, for example, Greek salad or sandwiches with vegetables. Passengers with stricter requirements (vegan, gluten-free, or halal dishes) are recommended to check the availability of such items on the menu in advance or have suitable snacks with them. The opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule, especially during the high tourist season.

To ensure your journey to the island of Kos and back goes as smoothly as possible, use these tips for navigating the local airport. This transport hub in Greece is particularly busy during the summer season, so a little preparation will help avoid unnecessary stress.

Arrival Time and Check-in. In peak months (from June to September), it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance: 2.5-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides such an option. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint.

Security Control and Hand Luggage. Be prepared for possible queues at security control, especially at the height of the tourist season. Pack all liquids (up to 100 ml each) in a transparent bag in advance. Remember that local souvenirs, such as olive oil or honey in large containers, must be checked in as luggage. Standard rules prohibit carrying sharp and cutting objects in hand luggage.

Seat Selection and Transfers. If you are flying from the island, choose a window seat. Stunning views of the Aegean Sea and neighbouring islands may open up to you. Kos Airport mainly serves direct charter and scheduled flights. If you have a connecting flight, clarify when purchasing the ticket whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the intermediate airport. Ensure you have enough time between connecting flights.

Customs Control. For travellers within the EU, customs procedures are simplified. If you are flying outside the European Union, familiarise yourself with the rules for exporting goods, currency, and cultural valuables to avoid delays at customs. Keep receipts for major purchases.

Economy and Actions in Case of Delay. To save money, consider pre-booking a transfer from the airport. Prices for food and beverages in the terminal can be higher, so bring an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the length of the wait, you may be provided with meals and beverages in accordance with EU passenger rights.