Greece IV 2026
Already the fifth PhanCon on European soil, once again at Andravida in Greece. We were there with a group for 2 days of Phantom action, while also visiting the low-flying area and the NTM 2026 Open Day at Araxos.
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Five in a row
With the fifth edition in Europe, Phancon has established itself as a not-to-miss event over the years. The Hellenic Air Force, and specifically the Phantom community at Andravída, has really embraced the event.
As the NATO Tiger Meet was planned around the same time, including an Open Day, we decided to head out on Saturday 9 May 2026 to Athens. Five participants departed from Schiphol while two others joined in Greece. After a smooth flight we picked up the rental van and set off to our hotel for the coming days in Patras.
Arrrraxos
On Sunday 10 May 2026 an Open Day was planned for the NTM so we departed quite early to Araxos where we arrived beautifully on time. A short check later and we were one base where preparations for the Open Day were still going on. There was a small static display of NTM participants that had some highlights that could be photographed reasonably well. There was also a short aerial display but to the position of the crowd in regards of the sun, photography was a challenge. Nevertheless, a Hellenic F-4 display is always a fan favorite!
The event lasted until around 15.00 after which we headed back to Patra to enjoy a nice evening in the city center.
Low and not so slow
It was an early morning on Monday 11 May 2026 as we had to do some driving to the low-flying area in Greece. The plan for today was to see Hellenic Air Force Phantoms in the mountains and anticipation was high. Upon arrival we noticed that we were certainly not the only ones with high anticipation as a lot of fellow photographers had made the journey to the famous spot. An excellent chance to catch up with some people (while anxiously staring at the beginning of the low-flying area for possible action..)
All the anticipation and waiting paid off as a pair of Phantoms buzzed the low-flying area and made two passes for the photographers. Mission accomplished! In the afternoon, two F-16s made an appearance to top things off. The success was celebrated with some beers in the evening.
Phancon day I
Hellenic Phantom heaven, or Andravída as it is known to the locals, would be our home for the coming days with Phancon 2026 starting off on the Morning of 12 May 2026. After the formalities and the do’s-and-don’ts we were taken on base. The first photospot of the day was alongside the runway where we could photograph Phantoms taking off and landing. Albeit a bit far, it was a nice start to the day. A bonus was the Beech 360C of 356 MTM that made some touch and go’s.
For the next mission, we started out near a shelter where we could photograph a Phantom starting up and taxing out for a mission. After taxing out, we were transferred to the runway for some take-off shots. Next up was the start-up procedure of the special painting while the sun was slowly lowering over the Greek countryside. It was arranged that the Phantom would slowly tai and park it but further with the setting sun in the back, creating a unique image of the sun downing on the Phantom, metaphorically and in real life!
The day was not over as we were also welcome to witness the planned night flying. Sunglasses in and tripods out while two Phantoms were prepared in their shelters. After final take-off we headed back home. What a brilliant day!
Phancon day II
Another day, another set of Phantoms! On Wednesday 13 May 2026 we were welcome once again. We started near the final check ramp, and no less than 6 Phantoms lined up for a mission. A unique sight in this day and age. After take-off, we were positioned near the squadron building as the squadron had prepared a remarkable event: a fly-over of all six Phantoms over the base!
As the sun was setting, more unique possibilities occurred as one of the Phantoms of the late afternoon mission was fitted with two Maverick missiles. We had a great position next to the runway where the sun setting created smooth lighting. Just before dawn, the Phantoms returned in the last light available, finishing off the day. Almost than, as we also were able to see the last take-offs of the day in the dark. Two Phantoms with full afterburners made a perfect ending for two perfect days. Hats off to the Phantom Society and 338 MDV for making this happen!
Goodbye
Our last day in Greece, 14 May 2026, was used for travelling back to the airport for our flights home. A beautiful time in Greece that we hope will be repeated in years to come.
