Kastelorizo Airport (KZS)

Kastelorizo Municipal Airport (IATA: KZS, ICAO: LGKJ), also known as Megisti Airport, serves as the sole aerial gateway to Kastelorizo, Greece's easternmost inhabited island. Its primary role is to provide a vital connection for residents and a crucial entry point for tourists, linking the remote Dodecanese island with the rest of the country via the regional hub of Rhodes. The airport's existence significantly reduces the isolation previously imposed by long and infrequent ferry journeys, making it a lifeline for commerce, medical access, and community connectivity.

Opened in 1986, the airport marked a turning point for the island's development. Before its construction, travel to and from Kastelorizo was entirely dependent on sea transport, which could be unreliable, especially during winter months. The introduction of air travel provided a consistent, all-weather link, fostering modest tourism growth and ensuring residents could reach larger islands and the mainland for essential services. Its significance lies not in its size or volume, but in its strategic importance for the small, isolated community it serves.

The airport is situated on a plateau approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) northwest of Megisti, the island's main harbor and only town. Given the island's small size, access is straightforward. Travelers typically reach their accommodation via the island's single taxi or pre-arranged transfers from their hotels. A local bus service is also often timed to coincide with flight arrivals and departures, providing an economical option for the short journey to town.

Operations at Kastelorizo Airport are exclusively domestic. There are no scheduled international flights. The primary carrier is Olympic Air (a subsidiary of Aegean Airlines), which operates year-round services to and from Rhodes International Airport (RHO). These flights are conducted using small turboprop aircraft, such as the ATR 42, which are suited to the airport's short runway. Passenger volume is low, reflecting the island's small population and boutique tourism scene.

Facilities at the airport are basic and functional, consistent with its small scale. The single, small terminal building houses a check-in counter, a modest waiting area, and restrooms. There is a small canteen or snack bar offering simple refreshments, but travelers should not expect lounges, duty-free shops, or a wide selection of dining options. The experience is minimalist and designed for efficient transit rather than extended stays.

For travelers, it is advisable to arrive approximately 60 to 90 minutes before their scheduled departure. Due to the small aircraft size and limited flight frequency, booking tickets well in advance, especially for the peak summer season, is highly recommended. Pre-arranging transport from the airport into town is also a wise precaution. Passengers connecting through Rhodes should allow for a generous layover, as weather conditions can occasionally cause delays on the short island-hopper flight.