Greece’s Civil Aviation Authority has awarded Olympic Air the Athens–Leros route for a further four years. Once the remaining procedures are complete, the airline, which already serves the island, is expected to continue flying the route from 1 February 2027 to 31 January 2031.
The award provides for €8.10 million in compensation before VAT, or about €9.15 million including VAT over the four years. The authority ran the tender under public service obligations designed to maintain regular flights to island destinations.
Seven routes awarded
Awards have been made for seven of the 14 routes in the original tender. Olympic Air will serve Athens–Leros, Athens–Sitia, Athens–Skyros and Thessaloniki–Limnos–Ikaria. SKY express will serve Athens–Kalymnos, Athens–Astypalaia and Athens–Syros. Compensation for the Kalymnos route amounts to €5.31 million including VAT over four years.
What happens next
There is a period for challenges to the award before signature. A pre-contract review by the Court of Audit is also required where the relevant conditions apply.
The direct link with Athens matters to island residents, businesses and visitors. More frequent flights throughout the year have yet to be scheduled.
