Helicopter flights to and from unlicenced pads on the Greek island of Santorini have been banned by authorities over safety concerns, it emerged on Thursday.
Greek newspaper Proto Thema published a document dated August 12, featuring the results of an urgent inquiry by the Naxos prosecutor’s office, which concludes that unlicenced pads as well as unofficial fuelling spots in use on the island are unsuitable or dangerous for helicopters.
The safety of flights, travelers, and residents, were put in risk from these practices, it states.
As a result, helicopter flights will be now only allowed to land at and takeoff from the airport of Santorini, an official notice to air travellers has warned.
The order means that the number of flights that can go ahead will be significantly reduced due to the limited slot availability at the facility, which is designed to primarily serve larger commercial aircraft.
Helicopter flights to Santorini popular with VIP visitors
During peak season, an average forty helicopter landings and takeoffs take place each day. It is a preferred means of travel for VIP visitors and “anyone who wishes to see Santorini from above,” Mayor Nikos Zorzos tells the Greek Reporter.
The island does not have a licensed helipad for exclusive use by helicopters, and since the Santorini airport does not have the capacity to serve all inbound and outbound helicopter flights due to its busy commercial flights schedule, helicopters usually land at hotels and other pads deemed suitable by their pilots/operators.
The mayor believes that the inquiry was initiated by complaints about noise pollution or disturbance near pads, but he doesn’t think that the ban will affect tourism on the island as helicopter flights are only an “additional offering” to visitors.
Creation of municipal helipad to address issue
Speaking to the Greek Reporter, Nikos Zorzos reveals that he has already made contact with the competent public institutions to discuss the potential creation of a properly licenced municipal helipad to serve helicopter flights in line with safety procedures and regulations.
A municipal helipad would be buit far from residential areas, to prevent disturbance to residents, but at a location which would have good access for visitors, the mayor added..
The island of Santorini has been faced with challenges caused by overtourism in recent years, and the improvement of infrastructure to the benefit of both residents and visitors is among the top priorities of the municipal authority, Zorzos disclosed in a recent in-depth interview.
