Prosecutor investigates helicopter landing on Milos's Sarakiniko beach for passenger swim

Incident at Sarakiniko

On Friday, 7 August 2026, a helicopter landed on Sarakiniko, one of the most famous and busiest beaches on the island of Milos, Greece. The pilot parked the aircraft on the beach's distinctive lunar rocks and disembarked with a group of passengers to swim in the turquoise waters. A local businessman, who was present at the scene, recorded the landing on his mobile phone. The video circulated widely on social media, provoking public outrage and questions about the legality and safety of the landing. The businessman confirmed the footage was genuine and not AI-generated, and expressed concern about behaviour showing lack of respect for a protected natural area of international prominence.

Speaking to SKAI TV, the businessman said "we don't know what to expect tomorrow" at the coveted location, and called for Sarakiniko to be designated a protected area, noting that it currently lacks such status.

Prosecutor and aviation authority respond

The president of the community of Triovasalos, Sofia Psatha Gagaki, informed the Civil Aviation Service and police authorities about the incident. The prosecutor of Syros ordered the Milos police department to collect preliminary investigation material, including the identities of the pilot and passengers, to examine the circumstances and whether the required landing permits were obtained. If deemed appropriate, criminal charges could follow.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued a statement confirming it has already taken up the case under its supervisory and audit responsibilities under law 4757/2020.

“The CAA is collecting and evaluating all available data, in order to determine whether the prescribed legal procedures, flight rules and applicable operational requirements were followed.”

The administrative process includes requiring explanations from the helicopter's operator and owner before any further action by the authority.

Regulatory framework under scrutiny

The incident revived scrutiny of Presidential Decree 19/2009, which for over a decade has governed helicopter landings and takeoffs outside organized heliports. Under Article 12 of the decree, a helicopter pilot may select a landing site on their own responsibility after visual confirmation of its suitability, provided relevant notification is given. The regulation was designed to facilitate helicopter transport given the limited number of licensed heliports in Greece.

However, landings are permitted only during daytime and are not allowed in areas under environmental or other protection. Sources cited by Kathimerini noted that the decree has repeatedly drawn criticism, as cases of abusive application have been recorded. A similar incident occurred a few years ago on a beach in Mykonos, near swimmers.

Sources close to the CAA told Kathimerini that discussion has been underway at the service level about modifying or even withdrawing the decree. The CAA is also examining issuing a formal recommendation, though such a recommendation would not be binding and would not carry penalties for non-compliance.

Environmental questions

In the case of Milos, an additional question is whether Sarakiniko falls under a Natura 2000 protection regime or another protection status, such as an archaeological site or area of special interest. The incident comes a few months after public discussion about construction activity in the area, which had raised questions about protecting Sarakiniko's unique natural environment. The CAA stated it is processing the reform and updating of PD 19/2009, with particular emphasis on flight safety, protection of human life, and protection of areas under special protection regimes, including Natura 2000 sites and other protected areas. The authority said flight safety and strict compliance with national and EU regulatory frameworks remain its standing priority.