€254,400 secured to restore helicopter pads on Greece’s Diapontia islands

The objective is to secure the reissuance of the required operating licences and ensure that both facilities are fully operational ahead of the new tourist season.

Funding of €180,000 has been secured from the Ministry of Interior for the upgrade of the electromechanical systems at the two helicopter pads. In addition, the Region of the Ionian Islands is allocating €37,200 for each facility to cover works on buildings, fire safety systems, and surrounding areas. The total funding available for the restoration of both facilities amounts to €254,400.

Speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA), Spyros Argyros, Deputy Regional Governor for Small Islands and Interregional Transport, said that restoration work on Erikoussa had progressed significantly, with approximately 80% of the project completed. Navigation lighting and systems associated with helicopter landings have already been installed, while fire safety works remain outstanding. These are being financed by the Region of the Ionian Islands.

The restoration of the Othoni helicopter pad is also expected to be completed in the coming period, in line with the current project schedule.

The Next Step Towards Operating Licences

Once the works have been completed, the necessary procedures will follow for the competent civil aviation authorities to reissue the operating licences. At the same time, the possibility of reinstating night flights will be examined. These flights had effectively been suspended due to deficiencies in the maintenance of the lighting network and problems identified during the relevant inspections.

The two helicopter pads were constructed in the early 1990s, with responsibility for their supervision and maintenance initially assigned to the islands’ local communities. According to Argyros, licences for daytime operations continued to be secured until 2010, despite the difficulties, while permits for night flights had been issued as early as 2004.

The 2010 consolidation of Corfu’s local communities and municipalities, combined with the financial difficulties subsequently faced by the unified Municipality of Central Corfu and the Diapontia Islands, reduced the resources available for maintaining the facilities. As a result, the infrastructure gradually deteriorated, ultimately leaving the helicopter pads effectively unable to operate over the past decade.

Coordinated Efforts to Secure Funding

The restoration initiative began in 2024, led by the deputy mayors responsible for the Diapontia Islands in cooperation with Deputy Regional Governor Spyros Argyros. According to Argyros, Stefanos Gikas, Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy and Member of Parliament for Corfu, also contributed to securing the necessary funding.

Following a meeting with Interior Minister Theodoros Livanios, €180,000 in funding was secured for the electromechanical installations.

In a public statement, Anastasios Argyros, Deputy Mayor of Erikoussa, emphasised the importance of the project for residents’ safety and the timely response to emergencies. He also expressed his appreciation to everyone who contributed to securing the funding and completing the necessary technical studies.

The reopening of the helicopter pads is expected to significantly strengthen civil protection infrastructure across the Diapontia Islands. Given their geographical location, the islands face increased challenges in ensuring the rapid medical evacuation of patients and responding effectively to emergency incidents.