Paros Island Airport: All You Need To Know

Paros, Greece, is a popular tourist destination in the Mediterranean, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. The island is easily accessible by air through Paros National Airport (PAS), which is located about 10 kilometres from the port of Parikia. The airport offers both scheduled and charter flights, with the ability to accommodate larger aircraft after its recent expansion. Paros Airport provides essential transport connections for travellers, with domestic flights to and from Athens and seasonal variations in flight frequency, making it a convenient gateway to the island of Paros.

Paros National Airport (IATA: PAS)

Paros National Airport (IATA: PAS, ICAO: LGPA) is the airport serving the island of Paros, Greece, in the Cyclades islands region. The airport is located in the southwestern part of the island, about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) from the port of Parikia. It replaced the Old Paros National Airport on 25 July 2016. The old airport, which was situated a few kilometres to the south, had been operational since 5 October 1982. Its 710-metre runway became insufficient as larger numbers of passengers required larger aircraft, so a new airport was built, opening in 2016, and taking over all operations of the old airport. Its wide, 1,400-metre runway supports larger aircraft.

Paros National Airport handled 204,924 passengers in 2018, making it the twenty-first busiest airport in Greece. The airport is well-connected to different locations on the island via public bus routes (KTEL). Two routes have the airport as their terminal, one starting from Parikia (the capital town of Paros) and the other from Pounda. Buses departing from the airport also head to Parikia, usually every 30 minutes during the summer. Travellers can purchase their tickets at Parikia and Naoussa points of departure, as well as from several mini-markets and kiosks. Taxis are also available at the airport, although they are limited, so it is recommended to book a transfer service in advance.

Paros National Airport is a small airport with limited facilities. It has a canteen, two car rental offices, and a parking space with a capacity of 70 cars. The airport only receives domestic flights from the International Airport of Athens. The two airlines that serve the route are Aegean Airlines-Olympic Air and Sky Express, and the flight duration is about 40 to 45 minutes. In 2020, Paros airport served 98,991 passengers (46,714 arrivals and 52,277 departures), a 56% drop compared to 2019. However, the airport has experienced a dramatic increase in traffic in recent years due to upgrades that began in 2013 and were completed by 2017.

Airport facilities and transport links

Paros National Airport (IATA: PAS, ICAO: LGPA) is located in the southwestern part of the island, about 10 kilometres from the port of Parikia. It is a small airport with basic amenities, including a snack bar, two to six car rental offices, and a parking lot with a capacity of 70 cars. The airport is well-connected to different locations on the island via public bus routes (KTEL). Two bus routes have the airport as their terminal, one starting from Parikia (the capital town of Paros) and the other from Pounda. Buses departing from the airport head to Parikia as well, usually every 30 minutes during the summer.

In addition to bus services, taxi services are available at Paros Airport. The designated taxi rank is located right outside the terminal, and it is recommended to book a taxi in advance during peak tourist seasons. The cost of a taxi ride from the airport to Parikia is approximately 20 euros without traffic, and the journey takes about 20 minutes. For larger groups, minivans or minibuses can be arranged.

Paros Airport also offers car rental services, with companies such as Sixt and Hertz having desks in the airport arrivals terminal. Renting a car allows for hassle-free travel and easy access to various spots on the island. Pre-booking your car rental is advisable to ensure better prices and a wider choice of vehicles.

The airport has experienced a significant increase in traffic in recent years due to upgrades and extensions. It is now the 16th or 17th busiest airport in Greece, handling 323,716 passengers in 2023 and serving flights primarily to and from Athens.

Flight prices and airlines

Paros National Airport (PAS) is located around 8 to 11 kilometres from Parikia, the capital of the island. It is not an international airport, and only receives direct flights from Athens. Therefore, to fly to Paros, you must first take a flight to Athens International Airport. From there, you can fly to Paros with Aegean, Olympic Air, or Sky Express. These flights last approximately 45 minutes.

There are two non-stop domestic routes from Paros: to Athens with Olympic Air or Sky Express, and to Thessaloniki with Aegean or Sky Express. The latter is a seasonal route, operating from April to October. There are also direct flights to Paros from Paris with Transavia, and from Athens with Transavia and easyJet.

The price of flights to Paros varies depending on the origin airport, the airline, and the time of year. Flights from New York to Paros in June can be as cheap as $506 for a one-way ticket. Flights from popular US cities to Paros in May start at $720 for a return trip with Discover Airlines from Seattle, $837 with British Airways from Dallas, $821 with American Airlines from Chicago, and $897 with British Airways from Atlanta. One-way flights to Paros can start from $43, and round trips from $87. However, non-stop flights are often more expensive than routes with connections.

Old Paros National Airport

Paros National Airport (IATA: PAS, ICAO: LGPA) serves the island of Paros, Greece, in the Cyclades islands region. The airport is located in the southwestern part of the island, about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) from the port of Parikia. It replaced the Old Paros National Airport on 25 July 2016. The old airport of Paros was situated a few kilometres to the south and had been operational since 5 October 1982. Its 710-metre runway became insufficient as larger numbers of passengers required larger aircraft, so a new airport was built, opening in 2016, and taking over all operations of the old airport. The new airport features a wide 1,400-metre runway that supports larger aircraft.

The new Paros National Airport is the seventeenth busiest airport in Greece in terms of traffic. In 2020, it served 98,991 passengers (46,714 arrivals and 52,277 departures), a 56% drop compared to 2019. However, the airport has experienced a dramatic increase in traffic in recent years due to upgrades completed in 2017. In 2019, compared to 2016, the number of passengers on scheduled flights almost tripled, reaching 114,879 and 103,457 passengers, respectively. In 2018, the airport handled 204,924 passengers, making it the twenty-first busiest airport in Greece that year.

The airport is well-connected to different locations on the island via public bus routes (KTEL). Two bus routes have the airport as their terminal, one starting from Parikia (the capital town of Paros) and the other from Pounda. Buses departing from the airport to Parikia also typically run every 30 minutes during the summer. Additionally, travellers can take a taxi from the airport to Paros Town, which costs approximately 20 euros and takes about 20 minutes without traffic. Paros Town can also be reached by car in approximately 20 minutes via the provincial road Parikia-Pounta.

Paros Airport is a small airport with limited facilities, including a canteen, two car rental offices, and a parking space for 70 cars. The airport only receives domestic flights from Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos", with a flight time of approximately 40 to 45 minutes. The two airlines serving this route are Aegean Airlines-Olympic Air and Sky Express.

Tourist attractions near the airport

Paros National Airport (IATA: PAS, ICAO: LGPA) serves the island of Paros, Greece, in the Cyclades Islands region. The airport is located in the southwestern part of the island, about 10 kilometres from the port of Parikia. Paros has become an important European destination, attracting tourists with its beautiful Kiklades and vibrant nightlife.

Paros has a lot to offer, from idyllic beaches to historical sites. Here are some attractions close to the airport:

Voutakos Beach is a secluded beach located just 4.9 kilometres from the airport. It is the perfect spot for a quick swim or some relaxation amidst natural beauty.

Skorpios Folklore Museum is a great option for those interested in local culture and history. It is conveniently located just 3.6 kilometres from the airport.

Parikia is the capital of Paros and is located 10 kilometres from the airport. It is a bustling town with a mix of tourist attractions and local life. Parikia offers Frankish Castle, built in 1260 AD, which incorporates historical structures into its walls and provides panoramic views of Paros Harbour. Old Market Street is another highlight, featuring cobblestone streets, historic churches, boutiques, and traditional souvenirs.

Aliki Village is situated near the airport and offers a charming mountain village experience. Visitors can enjoy local cafes, shops, and the scenic Byzantine trail.

Antiparos is a nearby island that can be reached via a ferry from the port of Pounta. It offers a different experience from Paros, with its unique culture, history, and stunning beaches.

Naxos is another island located just 30 minutes away from Paros. It boasts incredible landscapes, including the highest mountain in the Cyclades, Mt. Zas. Naxos also offers a rich history, with historic towns like Halki and Apeiranthos, as well as the former capital, Halki.

Whether you're looking for beach relaxation, cultural exploration, or natural adventures, Paros and its surrounding areas have plenty to offer within easy reach of the airport.

Frequently asked questions