Dodecanese MP Manos Konsolas has raised the need to restore ferry links between Astypalaia and the other Dodecanese islands in a parliamentary intervention to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy.
He says a gap has emerged on the route after the vessel operating under a public service contract stopped its sailings.
Konsolas questions whether any company will express interest in providing Astypalaia's connections with the other Dodecanese islands for only 23 days. The invitation to enter a public service contract covers just the period from 15 June to 8 July 2026.
He argues that an invitation covering at least a year's sailings would be more reasonable.
To meet increased demand during the tourist season, Konsolas also asks the ministry to consider a public service contract for a high-speed vessel operating twice weekly on the Kos–Astypalaia route and back, from 15 June to 15 October. He says this would fully meet the need for connections between Astypalaia and the other Dodecanese islands.
