Milos: The “loophole” in the law over the helicopter landing at Sarakiniko

The landing of a helicopter on the distinctive volcanic rocks of Sarakiniko in Milos is under scrutiny by the competent authorities, an incident that sparked strong reactions and also brought to the forefront a gap in the existing legal framework.

Images of the helicopter parked in the area, while its passengers disembarked and headed toward the sea, prompted reactions on social media. The video quickly spread online, with many users expressing their surprise and outrage over the fact that such a sensitive area of exceptional natural beauty was used as a landing site.

According to reports, the incident occurred in recent days, when the helicopter approached the Sarakiniko area at low altitude. Seconds later, it landed on the white volcanic rocks, while dozens of beachgoers watched in astonishment. The passengers then got out of the helicopter and headed toward the waters of the beach.

The release of the footage prompted the authorities to take action. The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority examined the existing framework and, according to reports, identified an issue concerning the areas where an unlicensed landing site may be used.

What the law provides

According to Article 12 of Presidential Decree 19/2009, a helicopter may, under certain conditions, use a landing site outside a licensed heliport, but this does not mean that it can land indiscriminately anywhere.

The use of a landing site is permitted only during daylight hours and is not permitted in an area subject to environmental or other protection.

This is precisely where questions arise in the case of Sarakiniko. Despite the uniqueness of the landscape and the area’s particular environmental and aesthetic value, Sarakiniko has not been included among Natura areas nor does it appear on the list of World Heritage Sites.

This raises the question of whether the current legal framework adequately covers cases such as this, where a natural formation of particular significance does not have a specific protection status that expressly prohibits such use.

The issue concerns not only the landing itself, but also the potential impact of the presence and operation of a helicopter in such a sensitive natural landscape. Rotor wash, dust and small rocks that may be displaced by the aircraft, as well as the broader human activity associated with such an approach, have raised concerns about the protection of the area.

Prosecutorial intervention

The incident did not remain solely at the level of reactions on social media. The president of Triovasalos community, Sofia Psatha-Gkagaki, after receiving complaints and the relevant audiovisual material, informed the competent authorities, the Civil Aviation Authority, the prosecutor and the police.

The prosecutorial intervention led to an immediate investigation into the case. As part of the inquiry, the identities and details of the pilot and passengers are being sought, along with information about the company that owns or had chartered the helicopter.

At the same time, the authorities are expected to determine who was responsible for selecting the particular landing site and whether all the required conditions were met.

The case is expected to be clarified through the investigation by the competent authorities, which will need to determine not only whether any existing rule was violated, but also whether the current legal framework is sufficient to protect areas of particular natural value that have not been placed under a specific environmental protection regime.