Diagoras International Airport, your Gateway to Rhodes, Greece

Diagoras International Airport (IATA: RHO, ICAO: LGRP), located approximately 14 kilometers southwest of Rhodes city, serves as the primary air transportation hub for the island of Rhodes in Greece. The airport was first inaugurated in 1976, covers a total area of more than 60.000 sq.m. with a main runway that is 3,306m long and 45m wide.

This airport is the entry point for both international and domestic air travelers. It was named after the ancient Rhodian Olympian champion Diagoras. Over the years, Diagoras International Airport has played a pivotal role in fostering tourism in the region, becoming increasingly vital as Rhodes has garnered recognition as a leading tourist destination in the Mediterranean. It is currently managed by Fraport Greece.

Since 2009 when a new terminal has started operation, Diagoras International Airport has developed significantly, improving remarkably the services offered to the charter airlines. With the integration of modern facilities, the airport caters to a growing number of visitors, accommodating millions of passengers annually. The strategic location of the airport enhances its significance, as it connects Rhodes to several major cities around Europe, ensuring that tourists can easily organize their travel plans to visit this enchanting island.

In fact, it is one of the busiest airports in Greece coming fourth in total passengers number. The volume of the air traffic is highly seasonal which means it varies during the year with the majority coming in from other European airports. The summer months witness a surge in air traffic, with numerous charter airlines also contributing to the influx of tourists. In the holiday season (May to October), the airport becomes a major charter hub with regular connections with the major European cities, Cyprus, Israel and Egypt and a large number of chartered flights from all around the world. You can expect regular daily flights to and from the main Greek airports (Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion) and the neighboring islands of Karpathos, Kassos and Kastelorizo, Kos, Samos, Chios and Mytilini. Conversely, in the off-peak seasons, the number of flights may decrease, which is a common trend across many holiday destinations.

Features and Facilities

Diagoras International Airport, serving the charming island of Rhodes in Greece, is designed to enhance the traveler experience through a variety of amenities and services. Upon arrival, passengers are greeted with an inviting terminal equipped with modern facilities that cater to both international and domestic flights. The airport is well-structured, providing clear signage and guidance for an effortless navigation experience.

The airport also houses various dining options, which range from quick snacks to sit-down meals. Visitors can indulge in authentic Greek cuisine, offering a taste of the local culture even before they explore the island.

List of Restaurant & Cafes:
Aircanteen / Bistro dei Cavalieri / Burger King / Cosmopolitan / Cup&Plate / Easy Grab n Go / Everest / French Bakery / Goody’s Burger House / Grab&Fly

Shopping enthusiasts will appreciate the retail options available at Diagoras International Airport. The selection includes duty-free shops where travelers can purchase a wide array of products, from cosmetics and perfumes to local delicacies and souvenirs. This advantage allows visitors to engage in last-minute shopping without the need to venture away from the airport.

Diagoras International Airport is equipped with an array of features and facilities designed to make the travel experience seamless and enjoyable. Travelers can find several lounges within the airport that offer comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, and a peaceful atmosphere away from the bustling terminals. These lounges are perfect for unwinding before a flight or during a layover. The airport is equipped with lounges and dining options, shopping and transport services and a variety of services aimed at assisting passengers with reduced mobility, ensuring an inclusive environment for all travelers.

Moreover, the airport provides efficient transport services to facilitate the journey to and from the terminal. Various options such as taxis, several shuttle services, and car rentals ensure that passengers can easily reach their desired destinations. Shuttle services operate scheduled trips to major resort areas and historical sites. Travellers can pre-book their shuttle online or inquire at the airport’s information desk upon arrival. Accessibility for disabled individuals is also a priority, with dedicated facilities and assistance available throughout the airport.

Public transportation is another viable option for travelers at Diagoras International Airport. Buses operate frequently from the airport to various parts of the island, making it an affordable choice for budget-conscious visitors. The bus network in Rhodes is reliable, and routes typically connect to popular areas, including the city center and coastal resorts. Timetables can be found at the airport terminals or online, allowing travelers to plan their trips accordingly.

Driving from the airport to the town of Rhodes is straightforward. At the junction at about 1 km from the airport you can choose wether to drive to the city or head to the south eastern coast, towards Faliraki and Lindos.

There are two large pay car parks a few meters from the terminal buildings for both long-term and short-term parking. ATMs, a bank and an exchange office are available in both the terminal buildings. In addition there are some kiosks and shops, including duty-free shops, a restaurant and cafés. Luggage lockers are available in the terminal buildings. In case of emergency there is a medical center at the airport.

A large number of car rental companies that include Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz, have booths at the airport. There is a taxi station in front of the terminal.

Νew EU rules for carry-on bags

Starting September 1st 2024, uniform standards for the size and weight of carry-on luggage will be imposed on all European airlines. Passengers can now expect consistent luggage policies regardless of the airline they fly with.

Here’s a summary of the hand luggage rules:

• Allowed Weight: A maximum of 10 kilograms.
• Carry-On Allowance: One piece of hand luggage and one small personal item, such as a handbag, backpack, or laptop bag, which must fit under the seat in front of you.
• Maximum Dimensions: The main piece of hand luggage must not exceed 55 x 40 x 20 cm, including handles and wheels.
  The personal item should not be larger than 40 x 30 x 15 cm.

Additionally, the EU will reinstate previous rules regarding the quantity of liquids passengers can carry onboard. Currently, travelers passing through terminals equipped with explosive detection systems for carry-on luggage (EDSCB) are allowed to carry liquids in quantities greater than 100 milliliters. However, this exemption will be revoked until all European airports have the same screening equipment installed.

Operating carriers servicing Rhodes Diagoras International Airport

A list of companies operating in Diagoras International Airport is listed below:

Aegean Airlines (Athens, Thessaloniki, Rome, Milan)
Air Berlin (Berlin-Schönefeld, Berlin-Tegel, Dresden, Erfurt, Nuremberg, Rostock/Laage, Zurich)
Austrian Airlines (Vienna)
British Airways – operated by GB Airways (London-Gatwick)
Centralwings (Katowice, Poznan, Warsaw)
Condor Airlines (Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hanover, Leipzig/Halle, Munich, Stuttgart)
Cyprus Airways (Heraklion, Larnaca)
Germanwings (Cologne/Bonn)
Hamburg International (Saarbrücken)
Luxair (Luxembourg)
Malev Hungarian Airlines (Budapest, Debrecen)
Martinair (Amsterdam)
Niki (Graz, Salzburg, Vienna)
Olympic Airlines (Athens, Thessaloniki, Karpathos, Kasos, Kastelorizo, Kos, Leros, Astypalaia, Samos, Chios, Mytilene, Heraklion, Santorini, Mykonos)
transavia.com (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Maastricht, Groningen, Twente)
TUIfly (Berlin-Tegel, Bremen, Cologne/Bonn, Leipzig/Halle, Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Zweibrücken)
RyanAir

Ground/Cargo Handlers servicing Rhodes Diagoras International Airport

Swissport
Olympic Air Goldair
Handling SAAviareps Hellas SA
Aegean Airlines MRO

Fuel & Oil Suppliers servicing Rhodes Diagoras Airport

Air BP
Gazpromneft-Aero
Shell Aviation