Kalamata Airport: A Gateway in Transition
read time: 3 mins
Big plans to develop Kalamata airport
Things are beginning to shift at Kalamata International Airport – quietly for now, but with changes that will most likely soon be visible to anyone passing through. Whilst much of the work so far has happened behind the scenes, the airport is entering a new chapter that will shape how the region connects with the rest of Europe for years to come.
In 2025, a 40-year concession to operate and develop Kalamata Airport was awarded to a consortium led by Fraport AG of Germany, alongside Greek partners Delta Airport Investments (Copelouzos Group) and Pileas Holdings (Konstantakopoulos Group). Together, they have formed a new company responsible for managing, maintaining, expanding and modernising the airport under this long-term agreement.
The ambition is significant. The consortium has committed to around €28.3 million in capital expenditure within the first three years, aimed at upgrading facilities and operations. Longer-term plans suggest total investment could exceed €75 million, including major infrastructure works and a substantial airport expansion. They are aiming to double traffic within the first five years and have already implemented new concession agreements for the existing terminal, which it has been revealed will operate as a VIP lounge and transfer hub.
A Bigger Terminal, a Bigger Profile
At the heart of these plans is a new 9,000 square metre terminal building, roughly three times the size of the existing terminal. This expansion is designed to cope with rising passenger numbers and to bring Kalamata’s facilities more in line with modern international standards. The current terminal is expected to be repurposed for auxiliary functions once the new building is operational.
For travellers, the benefits should be obvious: improved facilities, smoother passenger flows, a wider range of services, and crucially, more flights and more destinations. Whether this ultimately leads to year-round services, rather than a predominantly seasonal operation, remains to be seen.
For the region as a whole, the implications are broader. A modernised airport will raise Kalamata’s profile as a holiday destination and almost certainly drive further growth in tourism. As ever, that brings both opportunities and challenges for local communities.
And yet, there is a note of nostalgia too. Kalamata Airport’s informality – its small scale, relaxed atmosphere, and the ability to park almost at the terminal door for pick-ups, has long been part of its charm. These are conveniences we will almost certainly find ourselves missing once the transformation is complete.
UK Flights to Kalamata in 2026: What’s Changing?
While the long-term future of Kalamata Airport is taking shape, it’s also worth looking more closely at what’s happening in 2026 – to routes in and out of Kalamata.
This review focuses specifically on UK routes. That’s partly practical for a British author, but also an invitation: perhaps readers from other countries might be inspired to carry out a similar analysis for their own native countries in the comments section at the end of this article?
The Season is staring earlier for many existing routes
As of 2025, Kalamata was served from London (Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted), Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol (the latter introduced just last year). That overall airport list remains unchanged for 2026 (with the exception of Heathrow), but there are notable developments within the schedule.
The season still ends in late October or early November, but it now starts earlier.
EasyJet retains its reputation as the early starter, launching flights from London Gatwick on 31 March 2026. More significantly, Jet2 has brought several services forward. For the first time, flights from both Manchester and London Stansted begin on 5 April, opening up direct access to the region for the Easter holidays and the spring shoulder season – perfect for wildflowers, walking, and milder temperatures.
Gatwick Becomes the London Hub
London Gatwick has always been the key southern hub for Kalamata flights, but in 2026 its dominance becomes even clearer.
- Jet2 introduces Gatwick–Kalamata flights for the first time
- British Airways moves its Kalamata service from Heathrow to Gatwick
- Ryanair withdraws from the route entirely, leaving Jet2 as the sole operator at Stansted.
The result? There are now no direct flights from Heathrow, a disappointment for travellers in West London and north of the M25. Gatwick is firmly established as the London gateway to Messinia—for better or worse.
A New Scottish Connection
One of the more interesting additions for 2026 is a new Jet2 service from Edinburgh, operating from early May through to late October.
This not only opens the region to Scottish travellers, but also offers locals a tempting reverse option: a summer escape to Scotland when local temperatures soar (the Edinburgh Festival, anyone?). Expect a few new accents around town.
Jet2 Takes Centre Stage
There’s no question that Jet2 has emerged as the dominant leisure airline serving Kalamata. This mirrors the company’s wider expansion across Greece, and in 2026 it strengthens its position further with new routes, earlier season starts, and increased frequency on existing services.
By comparison:
- EasyJet’s programme remains largely unchanged
- Ryanair has exited Kalamata
- British Airways has moved rather than expanded (at this point flight frequency is unclear)
- There is still no presence from Aegean Airlines or other low-cost carriers such as Wizz Air
This consolidation brings mixed consequences. Limited competition often translates into higher fares and that trend is unlikely to reverse. There’s also the familiar frustration that during peak summer weeks, flight-only tickets give way to package holiday allocations, reducing seat availability. In July and August, Manchester and Stansted each lose one of their weekly flights to package sales.
A Balancing Act Ahead
Kalamata Airport is clearly on the brink of major change – physically, commercially, and culturally. For travellers, improved facilities and expanded connectivity are welcome developments. For residents, the challenge will be preserving what makes the region special while accommodating its growing popularity.
As with so much in our region, the key will be balance.
0 Comments