Philippos Airport

Kozani National Airport "Philippos" (IATA: KZI) is the aerial gateway to the heart of Western Macedonia, named after King Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. Located just a few kilometres from the city of Kozani, this compact airport serves as an important transport hub for the entire region. Despite its modest size, "Philippos" plays a key role in ensuring transport accessibility, connecting picturesque mountain landscapes with the rest of Greece. Having started operations in the 1950s, it is one of only two civil airports in Western Macedonia.

The main advantage of "Philippos" Airport is its compactness and convenience for passengers. A small terminal covering an area of only 400 square metres allows for completing all pre-flight formalities without unnecessary bustle or long queues, which is particularly appreciated by travellers tired of giant aviation hubs. The airport mainly serves domestic flights, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the northern part of Greece. Its proximity to the city, just 4 km to the centre of Kozani, ensures a quick and affordable transfer, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of this authentic Greek region almost immediately after landing.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Kozani National Airport "Philippos" (KZI).

• Official Website: www.ypa.gr/en/our-airports/kazf (Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority Website)
• Information Desk Phone: +30 24610 36098
• Address: Kozani National Airport "Filippos", Kozani 501 00, Greece
• Email: kakz@hcaa.gr
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks. It is recommended to check all current information on the official website.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's support service or their representative at the airport directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions and assistance, you can use the main airport information desk phone number.

Getting to Philippos Airport (KZI) from the centre of Kozani is straightforward, as it is located just 4-5 kilometres southeast of the city. Travellers have access to several convenient transport options suitable for any budget and travel style.

The simplest and fastest method is a taxi or pre-booked transfer. A trip from the centre of Kozani to the airport will take just 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost of a taxi ride is usually around 10–15 Euros. Taxis can be found at designated stands in the city or called by phone. Booking a private transfer may be convenient if you are travelling with a large amount of luggage or as a family group.

For a more budget-friendly journey, you can consider public transport. Although there may not be a direct express shuttle to the airport, local buses from the KTEL company operate in the region. It is recommended to check the official KTEL Kozanis website in advance for routes passing near the airport and their schedules. This is the most economical option, but it may require more time and planning.

If you value independence and plan to explore the picturesque surroundings of Western Macedonia, the best choice would be car rental. Both local and international rental agencies operate in the city of Kozani. By car, you can reach the airport in a matter of minutes. Philippos Airport provides parking where you can leave your vehicle for both short and long terms.

It is also worth noting that tourists often use other, larger aviation hubs for travelling around Northern Greece. The nearest alternatives are Aristotelis Airport in Kastoria, located approximately 50 km away, and the region's main international hub — Thessaloniki International Airport, situated about 100 km from Kozani.

Philippos Airport (KZI), serving the city of Kozani in Greece, is a small and passenger-friendly aviation hub. Its main feature is the presence of just one terminal, which handles both arriving and departing passengers. This makes the airport extremely simple to navigate, even if you are visiting for the first time.

The terminal layout is logical and intuitive. All main zones are located in a single building within walking distance of each other. Upon entering the terminal, you immediately find yourself in the general area where airline check-in counters are located. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between buildings or shuttle rides.

Departure and Arrival Zones are clearly demarcated but are situated under one roof. The departure zone includes several check-in counters and a security control point, followed by a small waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrival zone consists of a baggage claim hall, where one luggage belt is installed, and an exit to the city. Thanks to its compactness, the path from the aircraft steps to the airport exit takes mere minutes.

The main advantage of Kozani Airport is the rapid completion of all procedures. Flight check-in and security screening rarely take much time. Generally, for domestic flights, it is sufficient to arrive 1-1.5 hours before departure. For navigation, simply follow the signs — getting lost here is practically impossible. The limited number of flights and small passenger flow make the stay at the airport calm and free of unnecessary stress.

The history of Kozani National Airport "Philippos" (KZI) began in the 1950s, when it was built to improve transport accessibility for the Western Macedonia region. Located in a mountainous area, the airport became a vital link from the very beginning between this part of Greece and the country's capital, Athens. Its opening significantly reduced travel time and contributed to the economic development of the area.

The airport received its name — "Philippos" — in honour of King Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great, highlighting the region's rich history. Over the decades, the airport has developed in stages. The main focus has always been on serving domestic flights, which remains its primary function today. Infrastructure has been gradually improved to meet growing requirements for safety and passenger comfort.

Significant modernisation works were carried out in the early 2000s. As part of these updates, the terminal building, runway, and navigation equipment were improved. These changes allowed the airport to accept modern types of aircraft and enhance the quality of passenger service. Today, "Philippos" Airport continues to play a key role in the region's transport system, serving both local residents and tourists wishing to explore the unique nature and historical sights of Western Macedonia.

An interesting fact: the airport is located at an altitude of over 600 metres above sea level, making approaches and take-offs particularly scenic. It is not among the largest airports in Greece by passenger traffic, but its strategic importance for the region is hard to overestimate. It serves not only for passenger transport but also for air ambulance needs and general aviation tasks, making it an indispensable infrastructure facility.

Philippos Airport (KZI), serving the city of Kozani and the Western Macedonia region in Greece, is a compact and functional air terminal. Despite its modest size, it offers passengers all the necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Inside the airport building, you will find a cafe where you can have a coffee, grab a sandwich, or purchase soft drinks. There is also a small shop offering travel essentials and local souvenirs.

For the convenience of travellers, comfortable waiting areas are provided. To stay connected, you can use the free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal. If your device needs charging, special stands and power outlets for electronic devices can be found in the waiting lounge.

ATMs are installed on the airport premises for cash withdrawals. However, it is worth noting that there may not be a full-service currency exchange bureau, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance. To ensure passenger safety and health, a first aid point operates at the airport, ready to assist if necessary.

Philippos Airport cares for all categories of passengers. A mother and child room is equipped for travellers with small children. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on special assistance when moving through the terminal, as well as during boarding and disembarking from the aircraft. It is recommended to notify the airline in advance if such services are required.

There are no hotels within the airport building itself; however, many accommodation options can be found in the nearby city of Kozani, which is easily accessible by taxi or rental car. Specialised business centres or conference rooms are absent in the terminal, as the airport is primarily oriented towards serving passenger flights.

Philippos Airport (KZI) is a compact regional airport serving the city of Kozani, so the choice of catering establishments here is quite modest. One should not expect a variety of restaurants, as found in major international hubs, but passengers do have basic options for a snack before departure.

In the main and only terminal building, there is usually one cafe-buffet operating. It is located in the public zone (landside), before security control, so it can be used by both departing passengers and those seeing them off. Here you can order hot and cold beverages, such as coffee, tea, and juices, as well as light snacks.

The assortment generally includes sandwiches, crisps, chocolate, and pastries. sometimes you can find traditional Greek treats, for example, tiropita (cheese pie) or local biscuits. This place is excellent for a quick snack, but not for a full lunch or dinner. If you are counting on a substantial meal, it is better to plan to eat at one of the establishments in Kozani before arriving at the airport.

Specialised dietary options, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes, are likely not presented here. Passengers with specific dietary requirements are recommended to bring food with them. The opening hours of the cafe depend directly on the flight schedule: it opens a few hours before departure and closes after the last aircraft has left. Prices for food and drinks here are higher than in the city, which is standard practice for airports.

To ensure your journey through the airport of Kozani goes as smoothly as possible, make use of our tips. Philippos Airport (Kozani National Airport "Filippos") is a small and fairly quiet aerial haven, serving mainly domestic flights, which makes it easy to navigate.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For domestic flights within Greece, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time is sufficient to pass check-in and security control without rushing. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website if such an option is available. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint.

For Transfer Passengers: It is important to know that Kozani Airport operates on a point-to-point principle and is not a transit hub. There is no dedicated area for transfer passengers here. If you are planning a self-connect flight, you will need to collect your luggage, exit to the general area, and then undergo check-in and security control again for the next flight. Be sure to allow a significant buffer of time for such a transfer.

Passing Control: Security procedures here are standard, but thanks to the small passenger flow, queues are usually shorter than in major airports. Prepare liquids in advance (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag) and electronic devices to present them quickly for scanning. At customs control, if you are flying a domestic flight, the procedure will be formal. When departing to countries outside the Schengen zone, standard EU rules apply.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage: When choosing a seat on the plane, consider that the windows offer picturesque views of the mountain landscapes of Northern Greece. An aisle seat is suitable for those who value the ability to stand up freely. Always check your airline's hand luggage allowance. Standard restrictions prohibit the carriage of sharp objects, flammable substances, and liquids exceeding 100 ml per container.

Tips for Savings and Comfort: Book flight tickets and transfers to/from the airport in advance to get the best prices. Bring an empty water bottle with you to fill it after passing security control. If your flight is delayed, check the information with the airline representative. According to EU rules, in the event of long delays, passengers are entitled to drinks, meals, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation. Since the airport is small, the choice of entertainment and cafes may be limited, so bring a book or download movies to your device.