Crete's New Kastelli Airport Set to Handle 18M Passengers by 2028

Saturday, 16 May 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

Crete is preparing to open a major new international airport at Kastelli, located approximately 25 kilometers east of Heraklion. The new facility will replace Heraklion's existing Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, which currently handles the bulk of the island's tourist traffic. Kastelli Airport is designed to accommodate up to 18 million passengers per year, significantly expanding capacity compared to the current airport. The opening is expected around 2028, though exact dates remain subject to change. For visitors, the new location means longer transfer times to popular western destinations like Chania and Rethymno, but improved connections to the rapidly developing eastern coast. Tourists planning trips after 2028 should factor in the new airport location when booking accommodations and arranging ground transportation.