Greece's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has opened an investigation into a helicopter that landed on the popular Sarakiniko beach on the island of Milos, after video of the landing among sunbathers went viral and prompted a prosecutor's intervention, authority sources said.
The CAA is collecting and reviewing available evidence to determine whether legal procedures, flight regulations and operational requirements were followed, according to the sources.
As part of the standard administrative process, both the pilot and the helicopter's owner will be required to provide explanations before any further action is taken.
The footage, widely shared on social media, showed the helicopter landing directly among beachgoers so passengers could disembark and swim, prompting a Greek prosecutor to intervene in the case.
Under current regulations, helicopters may land outside licensed helipads under specific legal conditions.
Article 12 of Presidential Decree 19/2009 allows landing and takeoff in specially designated areas outside licensed heliports, provided required conditions are met.
However, the provision does not grant unrestricted freedom to land anywhere; landings are permitted only during daylight hours and are prohibited in areas under environmental or other special protection status.
The CAA said it is also working on updating Presidential Decree 19/2009 as it relates to helicopter air transport, with particular emphasis on flight safety, protection of human life, and safeguarding areas under special protection regimes, including sites within the EU's Natura 2000 network and other protected zones.