SKIATHOS THE ST MAARTEN OF EUROPE

摘要

Only four of the 11 Greek islands that form the Sporades Islands are inhabited, of which Skiathos is one. Located around 83 miles (133km) from the mainland capital Athens, it is perhaps one of the most interesting airports in the region given its spectacular approach and landing. Like St Maarten in the Caribbean, Skiathos allows spectators to get an incredibly close view of aircraft arriving and departing at the airport. However, there is more to this airport than just the thrill of a close encounter. Opened in 1971, Skiathos Airport Alexandras Papadiamantis was built to link Skiathos and the surrounding islands with Athens. Constructed by reclaiming land from the sea between Skiathos and the former leper colony of neighbouring Lazareta, its 2,625ft (800m) runway welcomed Olympic Airlines Shorts 360s and Skyvans, Dornier 228s and NAMC YS11s linking first Athens and later Thessaloniki. At its peak Skiathos had five rotations per day to Athens and two to Thessaloniki. However, the very first aircraft to land was a Douglas DC-3 Dakota of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority which was testing and commissioning the NDB (non-directional beacon) used for approaches at the airport. The first official flight was by Olympic Shorts Skyvan SX-BBO, fittingly named Isle of Skiathos.