Heraklion Airport to See Upgrades Amid Expected Arrival of 9.2m Passengers this Year

Greek Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation Christos Staikouras during his meeting with airport officials and Crete Regional Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis. Photo source: Infrastructure and Transportation Ministry

Aiming to take immediate action to alleviate problems at Heraklion International Airport ‘Nikos Kazantzakis’ on the island of Crete, Greek Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, Christos Staikouras, recently met with officials at the state-run airport grounds. Crete Regional Governor Stavros Arnaoutakis attended the meeting.

In 2023, the airport, the gateway to the island of Crete, one of Greece’s most popular tourism destinations, serviced 8.7 million passengers. With this year’s increase in passenger traffic estimated at 11 percent, it is expected to accommodate up to 9.2 million passengers.

According to minister Staikouras, certain airport facilities, including the 1.3-kilometer-long runway and 24 central air conditioning units, have been updated with funding provided by the private sector, specifically construction group GEK TERNA. Additionally, improvements have been made to luggage transport belts.

Heraklion Airport, Crete

However, the minister acknowledged ongoing issues related to the maintenance and cleanliness of the facility.

Staikouras emphasized that new employees will join the workforce within days, and regional authorities will provide cleaning services for areas around the airport’s main buildings. He also mentioned ongoing negotiations for additional measures funded by the private sector.

Construction of Crete’s new airport moving fast

Impression of the new International Airport of Heraklion in Kasteli area, Crete. Photo source: www.heraklion-airport.gr

At the same time, construction of the new airport on Crete, located at Kastelli, is progressing rapidly, with 35 percent of construction already completed. The facility is expected to be ready for commercial use by February 6, 2027.

Additionally, the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund is advancing the necessary processes for the future development of the area currently occupied by Kazantzakis Heraklion Airport, which will be relocated to Kastelli.

On June 11, the Asset Development Fund initiated the competition process to select a technical and legal advisor for the old airport project, closing it on June 26. Currently, the fund is evaluating the offers and aims to make a decision within the next three months.