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The Greek island of Crete is home to several airports, both public and military. The island has two airports that receive international traffic: Chania and Heraklion airports. Heraklion International Airport, also known as Nikos Kazantzakis, is the closest airport to Crete, located 1.9 miles away from the city of Heraklion. Chania Airport is located on the western side of the island, next to the Rethymno prefecture on the Akrotiri peninsula. In addition to these two airports, there is also a small airport near Sitia (Lassithi) that offers domestic flights to and from Athens and Karpathos during the summer months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of airports | 2 main airports, several public and military airports |
| Names of airports | Heraklion (HER) Airport, Chania (CHQ) Airport |
| Location | Heraklion Airport is located 1.9 miles from Heraklion; Chania Airport is located in the western part of the island, next to Rethymno prefecture, on the Akrotiri peninsula |
| Airlines operating from the airport | Bluebird Airways |
| Head offices at the airport | Bluebird Airways |
| Airport expansion | The latest expansion was completed on March 30, 2018 |
| Cease of operations | Heraklion Airport is scheduled to cease operations in 2027 and will be replaced by the expanded Kasteli Airport |
| Nearby airports | Heraklion, Chania, and Santorini (JTR) (92.6 miles) |
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Heraklion (HER) Airport
Heraklion International Airport, also known as "Nikos Kazantzakis", is located 4-5 kilometres from the city of Heraklion in Greece. It is the second-largest and second-busiest airport in Greece, serving nearly 8 million passengers and over 40 airlines. The airport first opened in March 1939 on a piece of flat agricultural land. During the Second World War, the airfield was the site of the Battle of Heraklion during the Battle of Crete in 1941, causing civilian operations to cease. However, traffic resumed in the autumn of 1946, and the first small terminal was erected in 1947. Commercial flights began in 1948, serving a total of 4,000 people.
Heraklion Airport has a single terminal building and two runways. The airport offers 24-hour service and boasts close connections to popular tourist destinations such as Malia and Analipsi. It provides both domestic flights within Greece and international flights to hundreds of cities worldwide. The airport features various amenities, including small shops, a duty-free shop, full-service restaurants, cafes serving Greek and American cuisine, and watering holes. There are also sandwich and snack bars scattered throughout the airport.
Transportation options from the airport to Heraklion city centre include taxis, buses, car rentals, and shared rides. The airport is easily accessible, with a bus service connecting passengers to the bus terminal in the city. For those who prefer the convenience of a private vehicle, car rental services are available at competitive rates. Alternatively, taxi services offer a quick and direct travel option, although they come at a higher cost of around 20 euros each way.
Heraklion Airport is expected to cease operations in 2027 and will be replaced by the expanded and renamed Kasteli International Airport. The new airport, located at a new site in Kastelli, is anticipated to cater to 5-10 million passengers annually.
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Chania Airport
Chania International Airport "Daskalogiannis" (IATA: CHQ, ICAO: LGSA) is an international airport located on the Akrotiri peninsula (or Souda) in Crete, Greece. It is named after Ioannis Daskalogiannis, an 18th-century Cretan rebel against Ottoman rule. Located about 14 kilometres (8.7 miles) from Chania, the airport serves as a gateway to western Crete for a growing number of tourists.
The airport features a single terminal and an asphalt runway that is 3,347 meters (10,982 feet) in length. It offers both short-term and long-term parking options and is accessible by public transport, taxis, and shuttle buses provided by travel agencies and hotels. Chania Airport also serves as a hub for cargo operations and is utilised by the Hellenic Air Force as a military airfield.
In 2015, the privatisation of Chania International Airport, along with 13 other regional airports in Greece, was finalised. Fraport Greece took over operations in 2019 and implemented several improvements, including expanding the passenger safety area, increasing the number of hand baggage scanners, tripling the duty-free store space, and adding more boarding gates. These enhancements aimed to accommodate the growing passenger traffic at Chania Airport, making it a significant gateway to the island of Crete.
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Kasteli Airport
The Greek island of Crete is home to several airports, both public and military. One of these is Kasteli Airport, also known as the New International Airport of Heraklion, Crete. It is an international airport currently under construction and located in Kasteli, 39 km southeast of Heraklion. The airport will replace the existing Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis", which has long faced severe overcrowding issues, operating at 60% over its designed capacity during peak summer months. Kasteli Airport is expected to open by 2027 and will initially be able to handle nine million local and international passengers per year, with a maximum capacity of 18 million passengers annually.
The Kasteli Airport project includes the construction of a terminal, runways, auxiliary facilities, and parking areas. The airport will feature 19 boarding gates, eight of which will accommodate both Schengen and non-Schengen flights. It will also offer entertainment, leisure, dining, prayer, and family support services. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the airport aims to generate its own energy to minimise its carbon footprint.
The construction of Kasteli Airport is a significant project with a budget of €1.5 billion, including construction and purchase costs. The project is led by the Greek construction firm GEK Terna, and as of October 2024, the terminal was reported to be 29% complete, with the runway at 43% completion.
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Sitia Airport
The Greek island of Crete is home to several airports, both public and military. One of these airports is Sitia Airport, which has been a welcoming gateway to the island since 1984. Sitia Airport is located in the vibrant eastern part of Crete and serves as an alternative entry point for both locals and visitors.
The airport is served by multiple airlines, offering connections to major hubs and leisure destinations across Europe and beyond. Sitia Airport's direct flights include destinations such as Milan, Naples, Copenhagen, Athens, Rhodes, Karpathos, Kassos, Preveza (Aktio), and Alexandroupolis.
Whether you're seeking historical treasures, natural wonders, or vibrant cultural experiences, Sitia Airport serves as a gateway to explore Cretan hospitality. From the ancient ruins of Zakros to the pristine shores of Vai Beach, the region offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty.
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Karpathos Airport
The Greek island of Crete is home to several airports, including the Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis", which is scheduled to cease operations in 2027, to be replaced by the expanded Kasteli Airport. Crete also has a small airport close to Sitia (Lassithi), which offers domestic flights to and from Athens and Karpathos during the summer.
Travellers passing through Karpathos Airport can expect a straightforward and convenient experience. The airport's compact size allows for easy navigation, and the efficient check-in process ensures that waiting times are relatively short. The terminal provides all the essential amenities, including shops, mini-markets, and a cafeteria to cater to travellers' needs before departure.
The airport serves as a gateway to the island of Karpathos, offering convenient access to its diverse attractions. From pristine beaches and scenic hiking trails to charming villages and historical sites, Karpathos has something for everyone. The airport's proximity to these destinations makes it a convenient starting point for exploring the island's natural and cultural offerings.
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Frequently asked questions
Crete is home to several airports, including Chania Airport, Heraklion Airport, and a small airport near Sitia (Lassithi).
Chania Airport is located in the western part of the island, next to Rethymno prefecture, on the Akrotiri peninsula.
Heraklion Airport is located 1.9 miles from the city of Heraklion and is scheduled to cease operations in 2027, after which it will be replaced by the expanded Kasteli Airport.
Yes, in addition to Chania and Heraklion, there is a small airport near Sitia (Lassithi) that offers domestic flights to and from Athens and Karpathos during the summer.
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