The importance of developing civil aviation<\/b> as a key pillar of economic growth, tourism and international connectivity was underlined by Christos Dimas<\/b>.<\/p>\n
While addressing the ICAO Regional Workshop on Strategic Aviation Planning (CAMP),<\/b> organized by the Civil Aviation Authority, in cooperation with ICAO<\/b> in Athens, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport said that “civil aviation today goes beyond the boundaries of a simple transport sector. It is a strategic pillar of economic development, tourism, international trade, investment, connectivity and regional cohesion.”<\/p>\n
Dimas said that airports “are nodes of a global geo-economic and geopolitical system that connects infrastructure, energy systems, supply chains, dual-use corridors and security frameworks, organising flows, resilience and Europe’s strategic presence in the world<\/b>“.<\/p>\n
He particularly emphasized the importance of aviation for Greece, noting that “in a country with a strong tourism economy, extensive island status and a strategic position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa<\/b>, aviation is crucial for our development model”.<\/p>\n
In addition, he stressed that “investment in modern, resilient and sustainable aviation infrastructure is not just a transport policy objective, but a strategic investment in the country’s growth, competitiveness and international attractiveness.”<\/p>\n
The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport referred to the important reforms and investments in the aviation sector, citing as an example the concession of 14 regional airports,<\/b> which is one of the most successful examples of transformational investment. As he said, in 2025 these airports served 37 million passengers, setting an all-time record.<\/b><\/p>\n
At the same time, he highlighted that “new investments of about \u20ac200 million are planned up to 2030”<\/b>, aimed at “further enhancing capacity, modernising infrastructure and meeting future operational needs. New terminals, upgraded runways, enhanced security systems and modern services are already transforming regional aviation in the country.”<\/p>\n
Dimas added that “Greece is moving forward with an international tender for the development of 22 additional regional airports”<\/b>, noting that “this is a strategic initiative that enhances island connectivity and sustainable tourism development.”<\/p>\nIndia arrivals up<\/h3>\n
He also made special reference to the market dynamics of India,<\/b> estimating that it is expected to become one of the most important sources of outbound tourism worldwide. He said: “arrivals from India increased by 18% in 2024, despite the absence of direct flights,”<\/b>a fact that “highlights the significant growth potential.” In this context, the launch of direct flights from 2026 is a catalyst for boosting both tourism, business cooperation and investment.<\/p>\n
Referring to the<\/b> new airport at Kasteli, Crete<\/b>, he noted that it is an iconic project that captures the vision to “create modern, sustainable and future-ready aviation infrastructure capable of supporting tourism growth, connectivity and long-term economic resilience”.<\/p>\n
The Minister pointed out that “the aviation sector is currently facing significant global challenges: climate change, sustainability goals, energy transition, digital transformation, cybersecurity and ever-evolving mobility needs<\/b>“, stressing that addressing them requires coordinated planning, international cooperation and innovative financing tools.<\/p>\n
Finally, Mr Dimas praised the importance of initiatives such as the ICAO workshop, stating that the Strategic Aviation Planning is a strategic tool for the alignment of infrastructure, environmental objectives and economic priorities<\/b>, while he assured that Greece will continue to actively contribute to the international dialogue on the future of aviation.<\/p>\n
He said: “Greece actively supports ICAO’s work to promote safe, sustainable and resilient aviation systems. Our cooperation is constantly being strengthened and we are committed to participate meaningfully in the regional and international dialogue. By hosting the workshop in Athens, we seek to further strengthen regional cooperation, facilitate the exchange of expertise and best practices<\/b> and actively contribute to shaping the future of aviation in our region.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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