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Nea Anchialos

About the Airport

Nea Anchialos. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
Nea Anchialos Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a cozy and tranquil gateway to the world of ancient myths and the picturesque nature of Thessaly. Located at a strategic point between the sea and the mountains, it serves as the ideal starting point for a journey to the homeland of the Centaurs on Mount Pelion or to the sunny beaches of the Sporades islands. Thanks to its compact size and the absence of the hustle and bustle typical of large hubs, you will feel the atmosphere of Greek hospitality from the very first minutes after landing.
IATA Code VOL
ICAO Code LGBL
City Volos
Distance to center 26 km
Status International (Seasonal)
Passengers per year Approx. 20,000 – 30,000 (varies seasonally)
Schedule Seasonal schedule
### Features and Advantages of the Airport **Compactness and Speed** The main advantage of Nea Anchialos is its small size. There are practically no long queues at passport control or baggage claim. All procedures are conducted quickly and in an organized manner, allowing tourists to leave the terminal and head to their holiday destination in record time, often within 20–30 minutes after landing. **Strategic Location** The airport is located in immediate proximity to the E75 highway, ensuring excellent transport accessibility. From here, it is equally convenient to reach the lively city of Volos as well as the port, from where ferries depart for the popular islands of Skiathos, Skopelos, and Alonissos. This makes it a key hub for combined "mountains + sea" tours. **Calm Atmosphere** Unlike congested capital airports, a measured atmosphere reigns here. The airport primarily serves seasonal charter flights and a small number of scheduled routes during the summer period, so there is always enough space in the terminal, and the staff pays attention to every passenger.

Contact Information

  • Official Website: www.vol-airport.gr/ru
  • Information Service Phone: +30 24280 79900
  • Airport Address: Nea Anchialos 374 01, Greece. The airport is located approximately 30 km from the city of Volos.
  • Email: You can contact the airport administration via the special feedback form on the official website.
  • Social Media: The airport does not have separate official social media pages. The most up-to-date information is published on the Fraport Greece operator's website.
  • Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative or their ground handling agent (e.g., Goldair Handling, Skyserv) directly.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For inquiries, you can use the phone number listed above or the contact form on the website.

How to Get to the Airport

You can reach Nea Anchialos National Airport (VOL), which serves the city of Volos and the Thessaly region in Greece, in several convenient ways. The airport is located approximately 27 kilometers southwest of the city center, so the journey will not take much time regardless of the transport you choose.

Public Transport
The most budget-friendly and popular way to get to the airport is via buses operated by KTEL Magnesias. Their schedule is specifically coordinated with flight arrivals and departures. Buses start from the intercity bus station in Volos. The trip takes about 40-50 minutes. The low ticket cost makes this option ideal for economical tourists. It is recommended to check the current schedule on the company's official website or at the bus station.

Taxi and Transfer
For those who value personal comfort and speed, a taxi is an excellent solution. The trip from the center of Volos to the airport will take approximately 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic. You can find a car at taxi ranks in the city or call one by phone. An even more convenient option is to book a private transfer in advance. This ensures a fixed trip cost and a meeting with the driver at the designated location, which is particularly convenient when traveling with family or a large amount of luggage.

Car Rental and Parking
Renting a car offers maximum freedom of movement, which is especially relevant if you plan to explore the picturesque surroundings, such as Mount Pelion or the Meteora monasteries. Offices of both international and local rental companies operate in Volos. The road to the airport is simple and follows the E75 highway. Directly at Nea Anchialos Airport, there is parking where you can leave your car for a short or long period.

Alternative Airports
Although Nea Anchialos is the closest airport to Volos, it is worth considering other options depending on your route and available flights. The largest transport hub in northern Greece, Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG), is located approximately 145 km away. Another popular option, especially in the summer season, is Skiathos Airport (JSI), from where you can easily reach Volos by ferry.

Terminals and Map

Nea Anchialos Airport (VOL), serving the city of Volos and the Thessaly region in Greece, is distinguished by its compactness and simple structure. It is a joint-use airport utilized for both civil and military aviation, which, however, does not complicate navigation for passengers in any way.

The airport has just one passenger terminal that handles all flights—both domestic and international, including numerous seasonal charters. Thanks to this, you do not have to worry about transferring between terminals or searching for the right exit for a long time. All infrastructure is located in one building, making it intuitively understandable 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 and are clearly separated. Upon entering the terminal, you immediately find yourself in the general area where check-in counters are located. After receiving your boarding pass and dropping off luggage, you proceed to the security control zone, beyond which lies a small waiting hall with boarding gates. The arrival zone is equally logical: after disembarking from the aircraft, passengers proceed to the baggage claim belt and pass through customs control, after which they exit into the general meeting area.

Completing all formalities typically does not take much time. Due to the small size of the airport, check-in and screening proceed quite quickly. However, during the height of the tourist season, when several charter flights are handled simultaneously, queues are possible. It is recommended to arrive at the airport typically 2–2.5 hours before an international flight departure to go through all procedures without haste.

Navigating the terminal will not cause difficulties. Signs are in Greek and English, and staff are always ready to help. The main advice is simply to follow the "Departures" or "Arrivals" signs. Getting lost in this compact airport is practically impossible, making it very convenient for beginning and ending your journey.

Airport History

Nea Anchialos Airport (VOL), officially known as the International Airport of Central Greece, has a relatively short but important history for the region. It opened its doors for civil flights in February 1991. Initially, it was conceived as a key transport hub for the city of Volos and adjacent tourist zones, such as the Pelion peninsula and the Sporades islands, which was a significant step in the development of regional infrastructure.

One of the most interesting facts in the airport's history is its dual purpose. Since the beginning, it has functioned not only as a civil facility but also as an important base for the 111th Combat Wing of the Hellenic Air Force. This proximity of civil and military aviation gives it a special status. In its early years of operation, the airport primarily served domestic flights and a limited number of summer charters from Europe.

A key stage in the development of Nea Anchialos was 2010, when a new, modern passenger terminal was put into operation. This large-scale reconstruction allowed for a significant increase in capacity, improved passenger service quality, and the acceptance of a larger number of international flights, including those from popular budget airlines. The new terminal was designed in accordance with all Schengen Agreement requirements, opening new opportunities for the airport.

The main achievement of the airport has been the significant increase in the region's tourist accessibility. Thanks to modernization and active cooperation with low-cost carriers, the airport has transformed into a lively summer gateway to Thessaly. Today, it is a convenient starting point for thousands of travelers eager to discover picturesque Volos, the mythical mountains of Pelion, or the famous Meteora monasteries, making it an integral part of Greece's tourist map.

Services and Amenities

Despite its compact size, Nea Anchialos Airport offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Before departure, you can have a snack at one of the cafes or snack bars, which serve drinks and light refreshments. Also within the terminal, there is a Duty Free shop where you can purchase perfumes, beverages, souvenirs, and traditional Greek products.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available at the airport, and charging outlets for electronic devices can be found in the waiting hall. Financial services are represented by an ATM. A currency exchange point may also operate, especially during the height of the tourist season, but it is recommended to exchange money in advance for a better rate.

The airport cares about the comfort of all passengers. Facilities are provided for travelers with small children, including baby changing rooms. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with special assistance during control procedures, movement through the terminal, and boarding. This service must be booked in advance, usually no less than 48 hours before departure, through your airline representative. A medical point is also available within the terminal, ready to provide first aid.

There are no hotels, VIP lounges, or conference centers within the airport building itself. The nearest hotels are located in neighboring resort villages, while the widest selection of accommodation options, including hotels with business infrastructure, is presented in the city of Volos, which is located approximately 30 km from the airport. This airport serves as a convenient gateway to Thessaly—a picturesque region of Greece.

Dining

Nea Anchialos Airport (VOL) is a small seasonal airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is limited but sufficient for a snack before departure. It is important to understand that there are no full-service restaurants with extensive menus here; the main focus is on cafes and bars.

In the airport's single terminal, primarily in the general area before security control (landside), the main cafe-bar is located. Here passengers can order coffee, including the cold variants popular in Greece like freddo espresso and freddo cappuccino, as well as other beverages, fresh pastries, sandwiches, and light snacks. This is the main place to pass the time while waiting for flight check-in. After passing through control, in the departure zone (airside), a small kiosk or bar usually operates with a more limited assortment of drinks and packaged snacks.

If you want to try something from the local cuisine, look for traditional Greek pies: tiropita (with feta cheese) or spanakopita (with spinach). This is an excellent option for a quick and satisfying vegetarian-friendly snack. Specialized offerings for vegans or people with gluten intolerance are typically not available. The selection may be limited to packaged salads or fruits, so with strict dietary requirements, it is better to bring food with you.

Prices at the airport, as expected, are higher than in the city. The opening hours of establishments are directly tied to the flight schedule—they open a few hours before departure and close after the last plane leaves. For a full lunch or dinner, it is recommended to eat in Volos or nearby resort villages before arriving at the airport. Establishments in Nea Anchialos are more suitable for a light snack and a coffee break.

Travel Tips

Planning your trip through Nea Anchialos Airport is key to a calm start or end to your vacation in Greece. To ensure everything goes smoothly, use our tips to help you navigate the airport of Volos city and avoid unnecessary stress.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Nea Anchialos Airport mainly serves seasonal and charter flights, so it can get quite crowded during peak summer months. 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 through control, and find your boarding gate without rushing. If possible, complete online check-in in advance—this will save you time at the airline counters.

Security Checks and Carry-on. Security rules here are standard. Liquids (up to 100 ml per container) must be packed in a transparent bag. Remove laptops and other large gadgets from your bag for scanning in advance. Remember that sharp objects, flammable substances, and other dangerous items are prohibited in carry-on luggage. Always check the current rules on your airline's website. Important tip: pack chargers, necessary medications, and a change of clothes in your carry-on in case of luggage delay.

Seat Selection and Customs. If there is an option to choose a seat during check-in, take a window seat. Depending on the route, during takeoff or landing, picturesque views of Mount Pelion or the Pagasetic Gulf may open up to you. Regarding customs, the procedure is simplified for travelers within the EU. If you are arriving from a country outside the EU, follow the "green" channel if you have nothing to declare, or the "red" one if you are importing goods exceeding established limits (for example, large sums of cash, or large quantities of tobacco and beverages).

Savings and Transfers. Nea Anchialos Airport is not a major transit hub, so connecting flights are rare here. If you are flying with a connection, ensure you have enough time between flights, as you will likely have to collect and re-check your luggage yourself. To save money, book a transfer to the city online in advance, as taxis from the airport can be expensive. Also, bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing security control.

What to do if a flight is delayed? In case of a delay, first contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the length of the delay, under EU rules, you may be provided with drinks, meals, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation. The airport is small, so the range of entertainment is limited. Ensure you have a book, downloaded movies, or a charged power bank to pass the waiting time.

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