Mykonos Airport: Is It Safe For Tourists?

Mykonos Airport, also known as Mykonos-Manto Mavrogenous Airport, is located on the Greek island of Mykonos and is one of the busiest airports in the Cyclades. The airport, which opened in 1971, is situated 3-4 kilometres from the town of Mykonos and serves as a gateway for tourists seeking the island's picturesque views, sandy beaches, and vibrant nightlife. With a small terminal, Mykonos Airport accommodates both international and domestic flights, connecting the island to various European and domestic destinations. While it offers stunning views, is Mykonos Airport safe?

Transport options to and from the airport

Mykonos Airport is located 3 to 4 kilometres from the town of Mykonos, and the transfer time is about 10 minutes. Here are the transport options to and from the airport:

By Taxi

24/7 taxi services are available outside the Mykonos Airport Terminal building. The journey from the airport to the town of Mykonos (Chora) takes about 10 minutes and costs around €20. During the high season, there may be long queues at the taxi rank, so expect some delays. It is recommended to book a transfer service in advance and have a taxi, minibus, or private VIP car pick you up. Local drivers can also be contacted directly to arrange a pick-up.

By Bus

The cheapest way to get to and from the airport is by public bus (KTEL). The bus station is located outside the terminal building, and tickets can be purchased directly from the driver. The bus route "Airport to New Port" takes visitors to Fabrika central station, which is the second stop and located in Mykonos Town. From Fabrika, passengers can change buses to reach other popular destinations on the island. During the high season, buses depart hourly, but they are scarcely available during the low season. Tickets cost €1.80 to €2.50, depending on the destination and time of day. It is important to note that buses in Mykonos can get very crowded.

By Car

Car rental services are available at the airport, and it is possible to arrange a rental in advance. The airport's car parking area serves as a pick-up station for car rentals. However, there is no car-sharing service available at the airport.

By Ferry

To get to Mykonos from other islands, the ferry is the only option. There are two ports on Mykonos: the old port in Mykonos Town and the new port in Tourlos, north of Mykonos Town. Cruise ships use the new port, while tour boats use the old port. Ferries to the mainland and other Greek islands usually depart from the new port, and the catamaran to Delos leaves from the old port.

Terminal facilities and services

Mykonos Airport has a range of terminal facilities and services for passengers. The airport has a cafeteria, restaurants, shops, and a Hellenic Duty-Free shop. The duty-free shop sells tobacco, spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, travel accessories, and gift items.

There is an ATM, currency exchange, and a Commercial Bank of Greece cash machine. There are also baby-changing rooms, disabled ramps and toilets, and a lost and found office. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.

Passengers can also find information services and a range of transportation options, including a public bus service, taxis, shuttle buses, and car rental services.

Safety and security measures

Mykonos Airport has a range of safety and security measures in place to ensure the security of its passengers and staff. Here are some of the key measures:

Security Measures

• The airport has implemented an increase in security-check lanes from 4 to 5, allowing for more efficient and thorough security checks of passengers and their luggage.
• The number of check-in counters has been increased by 33%, from 12 to 16, reducing potential crowds and providing more opportunities for luggage screening.
• The airport is serviced by a police station, contactable at +30 22890 79006, ensuring a swift response to any security incidents.
• The airport has a lost and found office, allowing for the safe return of lost items to passengers and staff.

Safety Measures

• Mykonos Airport has disabled ramps and toilets, ensuring the safety and ease of access for all passengers.
• The airport provides a range of food and drink options, including a cafeteria and restaurants, ensuring passengers can remain energised and hydrated during their time at the airport.
• The airport has a range of shops, including duty-free options, allowing passengers to purchase any last-minute essentials before their flight.
• There is an ATM and currency exchange available, providing passengers with access to cash and reducing the need to carry large amounts of money.
• The airport has a range of transport options available, including buses, taxis, shuttle buses, and car rental services, ensuring passengers can arrive and depart safely and conveniently.

These measures ensure that Mykonos Airport is a safe and secure environment for all passengers and staff, providing a range of amenities and services to meet their needs.

Accessibility for disabled passengers

Mykonos Airport has several facilities to assist disabled passengers. The airport has disabled ramps and toilets, and there is also a business area. Passengers with reduced mobility can find important information on the airport's website.

The airport can be accessed by bus, taxi, shuttle bus, or rental car. The public bus service runs from the airport to the southern bus terminal, Fabrika, in Mykonos Town. The bus ticket costs around 2€. The taxi rank is located opposite the terminal building, and a taxi from the airport to Mykonos Town costs around 10-20€. Several hotels in the town centre also offer shuttle services to and from the airport.

Airport expansion plans

Mykonos International Airport is undergoing a major refurbishment and expansion programme to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and become one of the most modern airports in Greece. The airport, which is located approximately 3.5km away from the city of Mykonos, served 1.39 million passengers and handled 17,278 aircraft movements in 2018. The modernisation project, which was expected to be completed in 2021, includes a 50% expansion of the passenger terminal area, a new design for the facade of the airport, and various enhancements to improve the visitor experience.

The expansion details include the construction of a new terminal area, increasing the total size of the terminal to 13,350 square metres. This involves a 33% increase in the number of check-in counters (from 12 to 16) and a 17% increase in the number of departure gates (from 6 to 7). The number of security-check lanes will also be increased from 4 to 5. The apron will be reorganised, and a new two-storey fire station with international safety standards is being built, expected to be operational by the end of 2019.

The existing airport building will be extended by 2,000 square metres towards the northern side to accommodate a new arrivals area. Additionally, there will be an expansion of the existing building by another 500 square metres to create more gates. The entire kerbside area will be redesigned, and the sanitary facilities will be completely refurbished. The modernisation will also include the creation of new retail, food and beverage areas, and the installation of a new automated luggage handling system.

The architectural design of the new airport combines modern architecture with the traditional style of the Cyclades, taking inspiration from the Aegean pigeon houses, traditional samples of Aegean architecture. The aim was to create a façade that references the morphological principles of Mykonian architecture while meeting the requirements of a modern airport terminal. With a total investment of €25 million, the new Mykonos Airport is expected to become a prominent symbol of Cycladic architecture and a worthy gateway to the island.

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