Up early, cameras at the ready. Today, Monday 7 April 2025, was the spotters’ day of Iniochos – and we knew we wouldn’t be alone. With participants from twelve countries, including India (Su-30MKI), Qatar (F-15QA) and the UAE (Mirage 2000-9), it had already become clear in the weeks before that this would be a top edition. With over a thousand spotters present, it was also the busiest spotters’ day ever held at Andravida.
After the usual check-in procedure – which is slightly different every year – we boarded the bus, only to disembark 450 metres later. Spotters could then choose between the left or right grass field. It wasn’t long before the first two Greek F-4 Phantoms appeared, performing an impressive series of manoeuvres over the airfield. I wouldn’t be surprised if these very same passes will be seen later this year at Sanicole and Radom.
After landing, an impressive mix of aircraft taxied past: US F-16s from Homestead ARB, Qatari F-15s, Indian Flankers, Polish F-16s, French Mirages, Italian Tornados, Slovenian PC-9s, and of course, Greek Phantoms. All under a pleasant spring sun. As the scent of jet fuel hung over the field, it mingled with the aroma of freshly grilled souvlaki being prepared by the Greek crews.
The morning brought even more highlights: a Greek Rafale and Hercules, a Spanish C.90, an Italian P.180, and – as the ultimate treat – an Israeli B.200T.
It wasn’t until around 4 p.m. that the second wave took off. This time, Greek Rafales and Mirage 2000s joined in. Unfortunately, the UAE Mirage 2000s and the Spanish Hornets remained on the ground. A welcome surprise, however, was the fly-by of fifteen Greek F-16s, spread across four waves.
By 6 p.m., with the last aircraft safely back on the ground, we were politely asked to leave the field. On the far side of the base, the press day was also wrapping up, which meant several aircraft were being towed. One of them – a UAE Mirage 2000 – passed right in front of us, providing a worthy finale to the day. With that captured, the gear was packed up and we returned to Patras, ending the evening in small groups at various local restaurants.
