State To Launch Privatisation Process for Local Airports

Samos airport (Photo credit: SamosBeach)

International tenders for the privatisation of Greece's local airports is apparently going to be launched by April. According to Development, Competitiveness, Infrastructure, Transport and Networks Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, tenders are going to be for long-term concessions to exploit the commercial operation and management of the airports, which are going to remain the property of the Greek State. The Minister specified, that the new airport of Kasteli on Crete is however going to be exempted from the above procedure since it was "targeted at a different class of investors".

Hatzidakis noted that the aim of these privatisations (and concessions) was not only in the framework of raising state funds, but also as a way to boost economic growth.

Under the terms of the concessions, the Greek State is to retain ownership, supervisory powers and control of the airports and is also apparently going to preserve existing airports on all islands, regardless of size. The concessions are expected to be offered for a minimum period of 30-35 years, in order for charges to remain on a competitive level, while an option for extension might also be given but this was not confirmed.