Greece initiates seaplane resurgence after successful test flight along Corfu's shoreline
After a gap of 15 years, seaplanes have made a historic comeback to Corfu and the Ionian Islands. The milestone was marked by a successful test flight conducted by Hellenic Seaplanes in August 2025, signalling renewed interest in seaplane connectivity in the region.
A Long-Awaited Return
Seaplanes were once active in Greece and the Ionian Islands, but there were no official or continuous networks operating in recent years. The 2025 test flight on Corfu represents the first seaplane activity since the hiatus.
Enhancing Transportation and Tourism
The test flight underscores the potential of seaplanes to revolutionise transportation in the region. They offer a faster and more direct alternative to ferries and conventional aircraft, significantly benefiting tourism and local transport by linking the Ionian Islands and mainland Greece through efficient air routes over water.
While no official seaplane network has been established yet, the successful test flight suggests intentions to develop such a network in the Ionian Islands region. This development aligns with broader tourism strategies to utilise seaplanes for island-hopping and luxury transfers, which are increasingly popular in other island destinations.
Collaborative Efforts
The test flight was carried out safely and smoothly due to collaboration with the Corfu Port Authority. The successful test flight belongs to all those who believed and worked to bring back the seaplane service. The return of seaplanes to Corfu and the Ionian Islands is made possible with the support of the Government, the Region, and Hellenic Seaplanes.
Angela Gerekou, Deputy Governor of the Ionian Islands, has been actively working to re-establish the seaplane service since 2004. Local representatives were also present during the test flight. The Vice-Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands thanked the government for their support and acknowledged Angela Gerekou's decisive contribution.
A New Era of Transportation
The President and CEO of Hellenic Seaplanes considers the successful test flight as proof of changing the map of transport in Greece. The seaplane's successful test flight reinforces the island's readiness for full integration into its transportation network.
A plan is in place to develop a complete network of waterways, connecting islands, coastal areas, and tourist destinations. This development could significantly benefit tourism and local transport by offering a faster and more efficient means of transportation.
Airport traffic in Greece has climbed by 6.5%, with Crete recording the strongest passenger growth. The successful test flight on Corfu Island is a step towards reconnecting the Ionian Islands and boosting tourism in the region. Seaplanes are returning to reconnect the Ionian Islands, boost tourism, and offer a new modern means of transport.
The flight offered a stunning aerial perspective of Corfu, providing a glimpse into the potential benefits of seaplane services for both tourists and locals alike. The Region of the Ionian Islands supports efforts to improve connectivity and upgrade transport in the region. The return of seaplanes to Corfu and the Ionian Islands is considered a 'historic moment'.
The successful test flight on Corfu by Hellenic Seaplanes in August 2025 marks a significant breakthrough in the industry, as it signifies the potential for seaplanes to revitalize and revolutionize the existing transportation landscape. This development in seaplane connectivity could create a ripple effect, spurring investments in the finance sector and transforming the tourism industry by offering a more efficient and direct mode of transportation.
With the return of seaplanes to the Ionian Islands, aviation is poised to play a crucial role in linking islands, coastal areas, and tourist destinations, thus modernizing the region's transportation infrastructure. The establishment of a complete seaplane network could potentially attract substantial investments, fostering growth in areas like finance and aviation and further boosting the region's tourism industry.
