Photo: Shutterstock The helipad on the small island of Nisyros in eastern Greece is undergoing a significant upgrade, including extensive infrastructure renovations and improvements to safety systems.
This is an investment that will bring the airstrip up to current safety and operational standards, improve emergency response capabilities, and may well pave the way for civilian flights. It is also a short landing strip, allowing only regional flights on small aircraft such as the ATR, which are popular for domestic flights in the country.
According to a statement from the Nisyros Municipality, the upgrade includes a series of works such as new control and lighting, equipping with modern aeronautical equipment, strengthening and upgrading infrastructure and perimeter fencing, as well as installing a new firefighting system and rescue equipment, all of which will be implemented according to strict European standards.
The municipality notes that upon completion of the work, "the airstrip will meet all the strict safety requirements, which will allow for regular and safer flight operations." However, there is no information that the project could transform the airstrip into a real airport, although these steps could indicate that this is the direction the island is aiming for.
Nisyros, one of the Dodecanese islands, is located very close to Kos, which serves as its "big brother" for all its needs, and northwest of Rhodes. Today, the island's airstrip is used only for emergency and military needs, and tourists can only reach it by sea.