History

Epitalio Airport (ICAO: LGEP, HCAA: KAEP) is located on the former dried-up lake of Mouria next to the village of Epitalio, eight kilometers from the capital of Ilia, Pyrgos, and next to the Pyrgos – Kyparissia National Road.

The airport was inaugurated in 1975. Later, when Greece acquired the PZL (Mielec) M-18 aircraft from Poland, it became the base for the 359th MAEDY squadron with a dual role. On the one hand, for aerial firefighting in the wider region of Ilia and neighboring areas, and on the other hand, for aerial spraying of agricultural implements. At the same time, it was granted for use by the then newly established Pyrgos Aeroclub. Later, however, the lack of aircraft led to its disuse for this purpose.

In 1990, by decision of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Epitali Airport was upgraded to a State Airport for passenger and commercial flights. The lack of interest in operating flights to and from Epitali Airport led to its temporary suspension.

In 1994, the airport facilities were transferred to the then Prefectural Government of Ilia.

In 2010, the airport ceased to operate as the then Ministry of Agriculture stopped the use of aerial spraying in agricultural applications due to environmental restrictions.

In 2012, with the implementation of the local administrative changes of the “Kallikratis” plan, Epitali Airport passed from the abolished Prefectural Government of Ilia to the ownership of the Region of Western Greece and the Regional Unit of Ilia.

In the following years, there were processes between the administration of the Pyrgos Aeroclub and the Regional Unit of Ilia and other service factors to characterize Epitalion Airport as a Light Aircraft Landing Field.

This goal was achieved in July 2022, when the decision was signed by the Ministry of Transport and the operating license for light aircraft was granted with the Government Gazette 3581 /B/ of 8 July 2022. According to the decision, the general control of the operational status of the Landing Field falls under the responsibility of the APA, with the Authority publishing the operational data of this decision in the Aeronautical Information Manual of Greece (AIP GREECE), as well as any change in the operational status of the airport (through the publication of NOTAM). The airport is operated by the Regional Unit of Ilia.

A few days later, on August 17, 2022, the first aircraft, a single-engine Cessna 172, landed, thus formalizing the reopening of Epitalion Airport, now as a Light Aircraft Landing Field.

Following a decision taken in October 2022 by the Regional Council of Western Greece, in January 2023, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Region of Western Greece and the Pyrgos Aeroclub, which assigned responsibility for the operation to the Pyrgos Aeroclub.