Skiathos Airport

Skiathos Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport is not just a transport hub, but a true legend among aviation enthusiasts and tourists from all over the world. It is often called the "European St. Maarten" due to its incredibly low landing approach, where aircraft fly literally just a few meters above the heads of spectators and the road. The unique runway, squeezed on a narrow isthmus between two parts of the island, turns every takeoff and landing into a spectacular show, which is the very reason many fly to this Greek resort.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main "highlight" of Skiathos Airport is its short runway, which is only about 1,628 meters long. Due to the limited space, pilots require special skill for landing and braking, making this airport challenging yet fascinating for aviation. Special viewing areas have been equipped for tourists near the sea, offering the best views of the landing liners.

Another undoubted advantage is its location. The airport is located just a couple of kilometers from the island's capital, the city of Skiathos. This allows you to reach the center in literally 5–10 minutes by taxi or bus, and some travelers without luggage even prefer to walk to the city, enjoying the coastal views immediately upon arrival.

For your convenience, we have compiled all the necessary contact information for Skiathos "Alexandros Papadiamantis" Airport (JSI). We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date data before your trip.

• Official Website: www.jsi-airport.gr. The site is managed by Fraport Greece and contains the most current information on flights, services, and regulations.
• Information Desk Phone: +30 24270 29105. You can obtain general information about airport operations at this number.
• Address: Skiathos "Alexandros Papadiamantis" Airport, 37002, Skiathos, Greece.
• Email: You can contact the airport administration via the contact form on the official website or at `jsi.info@fraport-greece.com`.
• Social Media: Official news and updates are published on Fraport Greece operator pages on social networks (e.g., LinkedIn, YouTube). We recommend searching for "Fraport Greece".
• Lost & Found: If your luggage is lost or damaged, you should first contact your airline's representative or the ground handling agents in the arrivals area. Contacts for specific services can be found on the airport website under the "Airlines" section.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions, use the information desk phone. To request services for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM), it is recommended to contact your airline in advance, as well as notify the airport via the contacts listed on the official website.

Getting to Skiathos Airport (JSI) from the city of the same name or other resorts on the island is quite simple, as it is located just 2 km from the capital. Thanks to the compact size of the island, the trip will not take much time, but the choice of transport depends on your budget, convenience, and plans for traveling around Greece.

Public Transport. The most economical way is the local bus. The main bus route on Skiathos runs along the southern coast, connecting Koukounaries beach with the capital, and makes a stop right at the airport (stop No. 0). Buses run quite frequently in the high season (every 15-20 minutes), but less often in the off-season. The ticket price is low, making this option ideal for budget travelers. The trip from the central bus station in Skiathos town to the airport will take about 10-15 minutes.

Taxi or Private Transfer. A taxi is the fastest and most convenient way to get to the airport. A car can easily be found at the rank in the port or called by phone. The trip from the capital will take just 5-7 minutes. The cost will be significantly higher than the bus, but it ensures comfort, especially if you have a lot of luggage. for greater peace of mind, you can book a transfer in advance, which will meet you at your hotel at the appointed time.

Car Rental. If you have rented a car, scooter, or quad bike to explore the island, you can easily drive to the airport yourself. Most rental companies have offices or representatives at the airport, allowing you to conveniently return the vehicle right before departure. This is an excellent option giving maximum freedom of movement. The drive from any point on the southern coast rarely takes more than 30-40 minutes.

Airport Parking. Skiathos Airport has a small parking area. It is suitable for short-term parking if you are seeing someone off or arriving to return a rental car. For long-term storage of a vehicle during your vacation, it may not be the best option due to the limited number of spaces, especially during the peak tourist season (July-August).

Skiathos "Alexandros Papadiamantis" Airport (JSI) is a small and compact air terminal, which is typical for Greek islands. It consists of one terminal that serves all flights — both domestic and international, including charters from various European countries.

The terminal structure is very simple and intuitive. On the ground floor, you will find check-in counters, the arrival area with baggage claim belts, and the main exit to the city. The departure area is located here as well, after passing through security control. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between buildings — all services are within a few minutes' walk of each other.

Despite its compactness, in the high tourist season (from June to August), the airport can be quite busy. Passing through check-in and security screening at this time may take from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours due to the simultaneous handling of several flights. During the rest of the year, all procedures are significantly faster.

Navigation Recommendations:

• Arrive at the airport well in advance, especially in summer — at least 2–2.5 hours before departure.
• Signs inside the terminal are in Greek and English, making it practically impossible to get lost.
• Infrastructure is limited: there is a small cafe and a Duty-Free shop. Do not expect a large selection of restaurants or entertainment.
• Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but located in the same building, making movement around the airport extremely simple.

The history of Skiathos "Alexandros Papadiamantis" Airport (JSI) is inextricably linked with the development of tourism on the island. The airport was built and opened in 1972 with one main goal — to make the picturesque island of Skiathos and the neighboring Northern Sporades accessible to travelers from all over the world. Its creation was a true engineering achievement: to build the runway, part of the sea had to be reclaimed to connect two islands — Skiathos and the small islet of Lazareta.

In the early years of its existence, the airport served primarily domestic flights, but with the growing popularity of Greece as a tourist destination, it began to receive more international charters. Infrastructure gradually developed to cope with the increasing passenger flow, especially during the peak summer season. The airport quickly turned into a key transport hub for the region, making a huge contribution to the local economy.

A significant stage of modernization began in 2017, when airport management was transferred to Fraport Greece. This led to a large-scale reconstruction: in 2019, a new, more spacious, and modern passenger terminal was opened. Thanks to this, it was possible to significantly improve the quality of service, increase capacity, and make the stay at the airport more comfortable for thousands of tourists.

One of the most interesting facts in the airport's history is its worldwide fame among aviation enthusiasts and planespotters. Due to the short runway (only 1,628 meters) and its close proximity to a public road and the sea, planes approach for landing and take off literally over the heads of observers. This breathtaking spectacle has earned Skiathos Airport the unofficial title of the "European St. Maarten", analogous to the famous Princess Juliana Airport in the Caribbean.

Skiathos Airport (JSI), also known as Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport, is a small seasonal airport serving mainly tourist flows. Despite its modest size, it provides all the basic services necessary for passengers to wait comfortably for their flight.

Restaurants, Shops, and Other Services:

• Dining and Shopping: Several cafes and snack bars operate in the terminal, where you can buy drinks, fresh pastries, and light snacks. A Duty-Free shop is also open for passengers, offering a selection of perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, tobacco products, and local souvenirs.
• Finance: ATMs are installed in the airport building. A currency exchange point is also available, but it is recommended to check its opening hours, especially in the off-peak season.
• Internet: Passengers are provided with access to free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. The number of outlets for charging devices is limited, so it is better to have a portable power bank with you.

Special Services and Amenities:

• For Passengers with Children: The airport has mother and child rooms equipped with changing tables.
• For Passengers with Disabilities: The airport provides assistance to people with special needs. To receive escort services and special equipment, it is recommended to notify your airline at least 48 hours before departure.
• Lounges: There are no separate VIP or business lounges at the airport. A general waiting hall with sufficient seating is available for all passengers.
• Medical Assistance: A first aid point operates within the terminal territory.

Business Services and Hotels:

There are no conference rooms or business centers at Skiathos Airport. There are also no hotels on its premises. However, thanks to its close proximity to Skiathos town (just a few kilometers away), you will easily find many accommodation options — from apartments to hotels — within a few minutes' drive by taxi or bus.

When planning a departure from Skiathos Airport (JSI), it is important to consider that this is a very compact seasonal airport, and the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited. If you are counting on a full lunch or dinner, the best solution would be to eat beforehand at one of the numerous restaurants in the city of Skiathos.

The main place where you can have a snack is the cafe-bar located in the public area (landside), accessible before passing through security control. Here, passengers are offered a standard set: coffee, soft drinks, sandwiches, pastries, and light snacks. Sometimes the assortment includes traditional Greek pies, for example, tiropita (with cheese) or spanakopita (with spinach) — this is a great chance to enjoy local flavor one last time before departure. This establishment is suitable for both a quick snack and passing the time over a cup of coffee.

After passing security control, in the departure area (airside), the choice becomes even more modest. typically, a small kiosk operates here, offering drinks and packaged snacks (chips, chocolate, biscuits). You should not count on hot meals in this zone, so any substantial purchases are best made before passport control.

Regarding special dietary preferences, finding vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or halal dishes at Skiathos Airport is practically impossible. The selection is limited to standard snacks. If you have strict dietary requirements, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you. Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than the average in Greece, which is typical for tourist hubs. Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule and are most active during the peak summer season.

Skiathos Airport, also known as Alexandros Papadiamantis (JSI), is the gateway to a picturesque Greek island. Despite its modest size, it can be quite busy during the peak season. To make your journey through it as smooth as possible, use these tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2-2.5 hours before an international flight, especially during the summer months. Although the airport is small, queues at check-in counters and security control can form quickly due to the simultaneous departure of several charter flights. The best way to save time is to complete online check-in if your airline provides such an option, and print your boarding pass in advance.

Security Control and Seat Selection. Security control here is standard. Remember the rules for carrying liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in one transparent bag. When choosing a seat on the plane, note that the landing in Skiathos is considered one of the most scenic in Europe. Try to book a window seat to enjoy the stunning view of the coast, harbor, and the famous runway.

Customs and Transfers. For passengers arriving from Schengen zone countries, customs control is usually a formality. If you are flying from outside the EU, be prepared for standard passport checks. Skiathos Airport is not a major transit hub, so long layovers here are rare. If you have a self-transfer, allow enough time to collect your luggage and check in again for the next flight.

Economy and Flight Delays. Prices for food and drinks at the airport may be higher than in the city. If there is time, it is better to have a snack or buy water in advance. In case of a flight delay, keep in mind that the waiting area is not very large, and the number of shops and cafes is limited. It is useful to have a book, a charged power bank, and headphones with you. Monitor the information on the departure boards and do not hesitate to contact your airline representatives for up-to-date information on the flight status and your rights as a passenger.