The Skiathos Airport: A Unique Runway on the Sea
The Skiathos Airport, officially known as Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport (airport code JSI), is a small international airport serving the Greek island, which sits east of the mainland.
Skiathos Airport has evolved from a modest airstrip into key infrastructure that supports the island’s vibrant tourism industry. It’s busiest from May through October, with far fewer flights in the off-season.
It’s become internationally known as a fun airport for plane spotting, since the runway starts right at the water’s edge.
Skiathos Airport to Town: Transportation
If you’re thinking about flying to Skiathos, here are the key things to know about the airport. First, it’s small, efficient, and easy to navigate.
Terminals
There are two terminals, which are walkable from each other.
Skiathos Airport to Town
It’s easy to get from the airport into the center city or town center of Skiathos. It’s about 2 kilometers. It’s so close, you *could* walk, but with luggage, you’ll want to take a car.
This aerial view shows the proximity of the airport (at the top of the photo) to the main part of town and the port.
KEY INFO: Take the Skiathos Taxi phone number with you: +30 242 702 4461
Your hotel could provide transportation, so ask about their options when you book.
Most likely, you’ll take a taxi. The Skiathos Airport doesn’t get hit with multiple flights landing at the same time. The taxi drivers seem to keep a good eye on the arrival schedule, so you’ll have several taxis waiting outside the airport exit.
With that said, the island only has so many taxis … so try to exit the airport pretty quickly to secure one. You’ll likely end up sharing a car with another person, if you’re all being dropped off at the main dropoff point in town.
Skiathos Taxi Prices
Taxi prices are subject to change, but here is the general price posted in town:
- Skiathos Town to Airport: 10E
The taxi operates 24 hours a day, and if you make an appointment for an airport pickup (which is wise) they might charge a few extra Euros.
Car Rentals
Several car rental agencies operate at the airport, providing an option for travelers who wish to explore the island at their own pace. It’s *very* easy to drive around Skiathos. The roads are mostly 2-lane, and traffic is very light.
What You’ll Find at the Skiathos Airport
The airport terminals are small, but still have the basic facilities.
First, I’m mentioning an unusually clean bathroom, which is always a nice surprise at an airport!
You’ll also find a shop, cafe, and car rental services. While cell service is spotty on parts of Skiathos, the airport has free WiFi to connect to.
Many of the airlines will do short hops to Skiathos, meaning they land, drop off passengers from one location, then quickly load another group to take to another destination. Crowds are often lined up outside, just off the tarmac.
Sometimes a bus will take you to and from the terminal. Sometimes you’ll simply walk out to the plane (which, I think, is much easier).
Airlines Flying to Skiathos
The flight from Athens to Skiathos is about 45 minutes. Most flights will be coming from other European destinations.
Flights to Skiathos fluctuate around the year, and the airport is busiest during the summer months. This is a general list of the airlines serving Skiathos. Keep in mind it changes, by the season and year-to-year. Still, it’s a good guide if you’re searching around for connecting flights.
International Airlines
- British Airways: Flights from London.
- easyJet: Flights from London and other major UK cities.
- TUI Airways: Flights from various UK cities.
- Ryanair: Flights from Vienna
- Jet2.com: Flights from multiple UK locations.
- Condor: Flights from Germany.
- Transavia: Flights from the Netherlands.
- Aegean Airlines: Flights connecting Skiathos with various international destinations via Athens.
- Volotea: Flights from Italy and other European destinations.
Domestic Airlines
- Olympic Air: Domestic flights connecting Skiathos with Athens.
- Sky Express: Domestic flights from Athens and other Greek islands.
Seasonal Charters
- Various airlines operate seasonal charter flights from different European cities, especially during the summer months.
Plane Spotting & AvGeeks
The Skiathos Airport is famous for its low-altitude landings and takeoffs, making it a popular spot for aviation enthusiasts and plane spotters. Visitors often gather near the end of the runway to watch aircraft operations up close.
You can see: the runway starts very close to the water’s edge. People gather at the end of the runway, and also in boats off-shore, to catch the landings.
Even during the high tourist season, landings aren’t constant. It helps to use an app like Flighty to time their arrivals.
Skiathos Airport Runway
The airport has a single runway, which is relatively short: 5,341 feet or 1,628 meters.
History of the Skiathos Airport
Early Years
The original Skiathos Airport was constructed in the early 1970s to facilitate the growing number of tourists visiting the island. Before the airport, access to Skiathos was primarily by sea, which was less convenient for international travelers.
The airport officially opened in 1972, named after Alexandros Papadiamantis, a famous Greek writer born on the island.
Development and Expansion
Initially, the airport featured a relatively short runway and basic facilities. Over the years, as tourism increased, the need for improved infrastructure became apparent.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, several upgrades were made. The runway was extended, allowing it to accommodate larger aircraft. Terminal facilities were also improved to handle the increasing passenger traffic.
Modern Era
By the 2000s, Skiathos had become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over Europe (and the world).
Seasonal charter flights became common, bringing in tourists from various countries, particularly the UK, Germany, and Italy.
Passenger numbers have continued to grow, prompting further improvements in airport infrastructure. Despite its small size, the airport has managed to handle the increasing flow of tourists efficiently.
