Avanti Air Launches Direct Klagenfurt to Skiathos...

Avanti Air has announced a new direct charter link between Klagenfurt and Skiathos for late summer 2026. The weekly service, operated in partnership with Springer Reisen, provides Austrian holidaymakers a non-stop alternative to major hubs like Vienna or Munich.

Aegean Expansion via Carinthia

Avanti Air will operate a targeted series of charter rotations connecting Klagenfurt Airport (KLU) and Skiathos Island National Airport (JSI). Unlike scheduled year-round services, these flights are specifically designed for the holiday market, focusing on the second half of the Austrian summer vacation period.

The initiative is part of a broader strategic push by tour operator Springer Reisen to increase direct access from the Carinthia region to the Greek islands. This program distributes capacity across the season, with weekly flights to Paros operating on Saturdays until mid-July, followed by the transition to Skiathos in late August.

The aircraft deployed for this sector is expected to be the Dash 8 Q400, a regional turboprop configured for leisure traffic. This aircraft choice allows for efficient operations into the smaller runway infrastructure typical of the Sporades islands.

Transit Schedule and Route Specifications

The following table details the precise flight rotations for the late summer 2026 window.

Flight Number	Route	Day of Week	Departure (Local)	Arrival (Local)	Period
ATV513	KLU $\rightarrow$ JSI	Friday	11:50	15:10	21 Aug – 25 Sept 2026
ATV512	JSI $\rightarrow$ KLU	Friday	09:30	10:50	21 Aug – 25 Sept 2026

Traveler Logistics Guide

From a ground-level perspective, navigating these charter services differs significantly from booking standard commercial flights. Because these are operated on behalf of Springer Reisen, the inventory is primarily bundled into package holidays.

Booking and Availability Travelers should note that these seats are rarely sold as "flight-only" tickets. The route is structured around fixed seven-night stays. To secure a seat on the Friday rotation, booking through the tour operator’s package engine is the most reliable method.

Optimal Connection Strategy For those not utilizing a full package, the 11:50 departure from Klagenfurt allows for a relaxed morning arrival at the airport. Since Klagenfurt (KLU) is a smaller regional facility, security and check-in times are typically shorter than at Vienna International, but arriving 120 minutes prior is recommended for international charter departures.

Navigating Skiathos (JSI) Skiathos Island National Airport is known for its unique runway layout and proximity to the town. Upon arrival at 15:10, travelers should expect high volumes of charter arrivals. If not using a pre-arranged Springer Reisen transfer, booking a local taxi or rental car in advance is essential, as on-site demand peaks sharply during the Friday afternoon arrival window.

Infrastructure Impact Assessment

The introduction of the Skiathos route enhances the competitive positioning of Klagenfurt Airport against larger Austrian gateways such as Salzburg and Graz. By offering point-to-point access to niche Aegean destinations, KLU reduces the "leakage" of regional passengers to larger hubs.

This connectivity model supports the local Carinthian economy. Charter-based tourism often results in higher overnight stays in the region immediately preceding or following the flight, boosting hotel occupancy and service sector revenue in the surrounding area. Furthermore, the diversification of destinations—moving from Paros in early summer to Skiathos in late summer—stabilizes passenger volumes across the peak season.

Regional connectivity continues to redefine the accessibility of the Aegean for Central European travelers.