ICC Greece: Regional Airport Concession Needs State and Aviation Sector Coordination

The successful concession of Greece's 22 regional airports hinges on more than just infrastructure investment; it requires robust coordination between the state and the entire aviation ecosystem, according to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Greece.

The ICC Greece, through its new Aviation Development Sector and in collaboration with the Panhellenic Association of Pilots, has put forth its positions and proposals for the ongoing international tender. These recommendations are informed by an open call for input from aviation sector entities, aiming to shape a comprehensive "National Proposal Framework for Greek Aviation."

The state's privatization fund has initiated an international tender for the concession of the 22 regional airports as a single cluster for approximately 40 years. The process is divided into two phases, with expressions of interest due by August 20, 2026. ICC Greece views this moment as critical, citing the experience with Fraport Greece's management of 14 airports, which demonstrated how a stable investment framework can significantly boost passenger traffic.

However, the ICC Greece highlights that these regional airports possess distinct characteristics, primarily serving island and remote areas, and fulfilling needs that extend beyond commercial aviation. Therefore, the organization stresses that infrastructure upgrades alone are insufficient. True value, they argue, lies in ensuring operational accessibility, an effective regulatory framework, adequate services, and high security standards.

To prevent the creation of underutilized modern airports, ICC Greece proposes a clear distinction between the concessionaire's contractual obligations and the state's necessary policy interventions. For the concession agreement itself, ICC Greece recommends including minimum operational standards for General and Business Aviation, ensuring suitable facilities for aviation training, establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for services and operational readiness, and preparing airports for Schengen and customs control decisions. Concurrently, they urge the state to simplify Schengen and customs procedures, fund aviation schools, expedite visas for third-country pilot trainees, enhance university links for aviation education, and revise charging frameworks.