Mytilene International Airport

Mitilini Airport Odysseas Elytis (MJT) sits on the southeastern coast of Lesbos, roughly 7 kilometres south of the island’s capital, Mitilini. It is the main air gateway for the northeastern Aegean islands, handling scheduled and charter flights from Greek and European destinations. While not a large facility, it serves a steady flow of tourists heading to Lesbos’s beaches, petrified forest, and ouzo distilleries, as well as locals commuting to Athens or Thessaloniki. The airport shares its name with Odysseas Elytis, the Greek poet and Nobel laureate who grew up on the island. It opened in 1972 and has been expanded twice, most recently in 2010 to accommodate increasing traffic.

Getting There

The airport is connected to Mitilini town by a single road, EO Mitilinis-Polichnitou, which runs along the coast. Most visitors arrive by taxi or private car. A taxi from Mitilini centre to the airport takes about 15 minutes and costs approximately 10–15 euros. Alternatively, the KTEL bus (the local public bus service) runs a regular route between the airport and the central bus station in Mitilini, with a journey time of 20–25 minutes. Buses depart roughly every 30 minutes during the day and are timed to meet arriving flights. The bus fare is around 1.80 euros. For those driving, the airport is well-signposted from the town. Parking is available right in front of the terminal: a paid parking lot (€2 per hour for the first hour, then decreasing rates) and a free parking lot a short walk away. The free lot fills up quickly in summer, so arriving early is wise. Rental cars can be collected from the terminal’s ground floor; major agencies like Avis and Hertz have desks there.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal is a single, two-storey building with a straightforward layout. Arrivals and departures share the same space but are separated clearly. On arrival, passengers walk from the aircraft to a small baggage claim hall with two carousels. A café sits just after passport control (for non-Schengen flights) and before customs. Departures are on the upper floor, accessed via stairs or a wheelchair-accessible lift. The check-in area has fifteen counters, though rarely all are open. Security screening is efficient; two lanes handle passengers, and staff are used to processing large charter groups quickly.

Confirmed facilities include a wheelchair-accessible entrance, accessible toilets on both floors, and a changing table in the accessible toilet. Baggage storage is available at a desk near the check-in hall, charging €5 per piece per day. The paid parking lot has designated accessible spaces close to the terminal. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminal—no password needed. Food options are limited to one café on the ground floor and a snack bar airside. The café serves coffee, sandwiches, and local pastries; prices are slightly higher than in town. Duty-free shopping is small but stocks local olive oil, ouzo, and souvenirs. The airport also has a small chapel on the mezzanine level, a quiet spot for reflection. Overall, the terminal feels clean and modern, with decent natural light from large windows. However, in peak summer months, the departures area can become crowded, and seating is limited.

Mitilini Airport Odysseas Elytis and Mitilini

Mitilini Airport is the primary entry point for Lesbos, an island with a layered history and striking landscapes. The island’s greatest natural wonder is the Petrified Forest, a UNESCO Geopark where fossilised tree trunks from 20 million years ago lie scattered across the western hills. Visitors also come for the coastline – the north coast has dramatic cliffs and remote coves, while the south has long sandy beaches like Vatera and Eftalou hot springs. The capital Mitilini offers the massive medieval Castle of Mytilene, which dominates the harbour and dates back to Byzantine times. Inside the castle walls, you’ll find a small archaeological museum and panoramic views over the Aegean.

Culturally, Lesbos is known for its ouzo production. Several distilleries offer tours and tastings, notably Barbayannis and Isidoros Arvanitis, both in the town of Plomari on the south coast. The island also has strong literary connections: not only Odysseas Elytis, but also the Roman poet Ovid was exiled here, and the Greek writer Stratis Myrivilis set his novels in Lesbos. In recent years, the island has been in the news due to its proximity to Turkey and the arrival of refugees. The Moria camp (now closed) was replaced by a more organised facility inland. Travelers should be aware that the issue remains visible; local NGOs and volunteers still operate, and the airport sometimes sees charter flights carrying aid workers.

For food, Lesbos is famous for its local cheese (ladotyri), salted sardines, and spoon sweets. Evening life in Mitilini centres on Ermou Street, where families walk and eat at tables spilling out onto the pavement. The beach resorts of Skala Eressos, Molyvos, and Petra have their own lively scenes, especially in July and August. Overall, Lesbos rewards those willing to explore beyond the tourist strip: the mountainous interior has forgotten villages, stone bridges, and terraced olive groves that feel timeless.

Practical Information

The airport is not open 24 hours; it typically closes between midnight and 5:00 am when no flights are scheduled. Check the official website for current opening hours, as they vary seasonally. Busiest times are Monday 8 am, Tuesday 9 pm, Wednesday 1 pm, and Thursday 9 pm – plan extra time if your flight falls in these windows. Contact the airport at +30 2251 038700 or visit www.mjt-airport.gr/en for flight information.

Accessibility: the terminal is fully accessible with ramps, wide doors, and adapted toilets. Wheelchairs are available upon request from airline staff. Baggage can be stored at the storage desk, open during flight times. The paid parking lot costs €2 per hour for the first hour, then €1 per additional hour, capped at €12 per day. The free lot is a three-minute walk from the terminal; it is unpaved and can be muddy after rain.

One concrete tip: if you are flying out mid-morning, arrive at the airport 90 minutes before departure – the security line moves quickly, but the single café can get swamped. For arriving passengers, the bus into town stops right outside, and the free parking lot is ideal if you’re dropping someone off and waiting briefly. Avoid relying on the free lot for long stays, as cars have been known to be broken into there.