International airport of Rhodes Diagoras
The airport is one of the busiest Greek airports after the airports of Athens, Heraklion (Crete) and Thessaloniki. Rhodes airport has only one terminal that also carries out military flights and is served by over 50 airlines, although many fly only in the summer.
In 2015, Fraport announced the signing of a concession agreement for a period of 40 years for the management 14 airports in Greece; Rhodes airport is part of this agreement, as well as those of Aktion, Chania, Corfu, Kavala, Kefalonia, Kos, Mytilene, Mykonos, Samos, Santorini, Skiathos, Thessaloniki and Zante.
History of the Airport of Rhodes
Today’s Rhodes Airport Diagoras, replaced Rhodes-Maritsa Airport in 1977, which had reached its capacity limits. The old airport now serves as an air force base, and events are also held today.
Rhodes Airport has a single runway, which can be approached from the east (course 245) using the instrument landing system. The runway has a length of 3305 m and thus also offers larger machines the opportunity to land.
There are a few small duty-free shops as well as bars and bistros for passengers. All major European car rental companies are represented at the airport.
In December 2015, the privatization of Rhodes Airport and 13 other Greek regional airports was completed with the signing of an agreement between the joint venture between Fraport AG and Copelouzos Group and the state privatization fund. The concession has a term of 40 years from the date of takeover on April 11, 2017 and includes the mainland airports of Thessaloniki, Aktion and Kavala as well as the airports on the islands of Crete (Chania), Kefalonia, Corfu, Kos, Mykonos, Mytilene, Rhodes, Samos, Santorini, Skiathos and Zakynthos.
An estimated two million passengers were handled in 2005, pushing the current terminal to its limits. The new terminal has also been in operation since May 2007, which is intended to relieve the old terminal. At the moment, however, only passengers traveling to countries outside the Schengen Agreement are handled there. Rhodes Airport has been operated by Fraport since 2017. In 2020, the renovation and enlargement work on the airport building carried out by Fraport was completed
Airlines and Destinations
The airport is served year-round by scheduled flights operated by Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines from Athens, Thessaloniki, Karpathos, Leros and Kassos. Between April and October mainly charter and budget airlines land with holiday guests from many countries in Europe and the Middle East (Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt).
How to get to the Airport
The bus stop is outside Terminal 1, approximately 300 meters to the left of the exit door. The local bus network runs between the airport and Rhodes Town several times a day, seven days a week.
Travel time is approximately 40 minutes. A ticket costs around 2.20 euros.
There is also a taxi rank located outside the terminal building.
To get to the airport by car, you should take the main road along the northwest coast of the island. Then follow the signs to the airport.
Airport parking
The airport car park is just 20 meters outside the main entrance. There is no charge for the first 20 minutes of parking.
Parking fees:
20 to 60 minutes – €2.00
2 hours – €2.50
3 hours – €3.00
4 hours – €3.50
Airport services
Information
The information desk is located inside the terminal.
Passengers with disabilities
The airport is adapted to the needs of passengers with disabilities and offers special assistance if necessary.
Food and Beverage
Passengers can relax in the airport bar, cafe or restaurant.
Shopping
There is also a duty free shop offering souvenirs, alcohol and tobacco products. Several shops, candy shops and gift shops are located in the check-in area (before security).
Financial services
Passengers will find a bank branch, several ATMs and currency exchange facilities at the airport.