Crete's new international airport at Kastelli, 25 km southeast of Heraklion, is scheduled to open in 2028. It is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Greece since the Athens Olympic preparations. Here is what is confirmed, what is projected, and what it likely means for travellers.
What is being built
The Kastelli International Airport (officially: New Heraklion International Airport) will replace the existing Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, which is hemmed in by the city and cannot expand. The new site covers 3,200 hectares. Planned capacity: 18 million passengers per year at full build-out.
For comparison, current Heraklion airport handles about 9-10 million passengers per year and operates well above its designed capacity during peak season.
Current status (as of early 2026)
- Construction is underway. Site clearance and foundation work visible from the Heraklion-Ierapetra highway.
- Contractor: GMR Airports consortium (Indian infrastructure group, same operator as Delhi International Airport).
- Target opening: 2028. This is the official date but Greek infrastructure projects frequently run late. Verify closer to the date.
- Old Heraklion airport: planned to close and be redeveloped as a coastal park/resort once Kastelli opens.
What it means for travellers
More direct flights. The current Heraklion airport cannot accommodate some large wide-body aircraft. A new facility with modern runways changes the route economics for airlines.
Eastern Crete becomes more accessible. Kastelli is physically closer to the east of the island than Heraklion is. Drive times to Agios Nikolaos and Ierapetra will shorten by 15-20 minutes compared to flying into current Heraklion.
Year-round connectivity. The new airport is designed for year-round operations, not just summer charters.
Price impact. More seat capacity generally puts downward pressure on flight prices to Crete. How much depends on which airlines take routes.
What it means for property and tourism businesses
Eastern Crete is the logical growth area. The coast between Agios Nikolaos and Sitia is currently underdeveloped relative to the west. The BOAK highway (east-west motorway), partially open, connects to the new airport corridor. Property buyers and tourism operators are already pricing in this shift.
What to watch
The 2028 date is a target, not a guarantee. Check Greek infrastructure news sources closer to the date. If you are planning travel around the airport opening, keep flexibility in your bookings.
Stay updated on Crete news: Latest from Crete Direct.
