Crete's BOAK highway safety upgrades to complete by summer 2026

Wednesday, 13 May 2026/Source: Flashnews/1 min read

Greek deputy minister Christos Dimas announced at a forum in Heraklion that road safety improvements along the BOAK, Crete's main east-west highway, will be completed before the end of summer 2026. The works aim to reduce accident risks on one of the island's busiest travel routes connecting Heraklion to the eastern and western regions. Travelers using the BOAK this season should expect some temporary disruptions near active work zones, particularly outside peak hours. Dimas also confirmed that construction of the new Kastelli International Airport, located east of Heraklion, has reached 70% completion. The airport is designed to significantly expand air capacity for Crete, with an expected opening around 2028. Once operational, it will offer an alternative entry point to the island and help reduce congestion at Heraklion's current Nikos Kazantzakis Airport during high season.