Crete's Kastelli Airport Takes Shape; Capacity to Double

Wednesday, 13 May 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

Construction of Crete's new international airport at Kastelli, located in the Heraklion regional unit, is visibly progressing. The project is set to replace the aging Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, which has long operated beyond its capacity. Kastelli Airport is designed to handle up to 18 million passengers per year, roughly double current throughput, and will feature modern terminal infrastructure, improved runway access, and better road connections to eastern Crete. Authorities describe it as a transformative project for the island's tourism and economy. The airport is expected to open around 2028. For visitors, this means significantly reduced congestion on arrival and departure, faster processing times, and improved access to destinations along the eastern coast. No changes affect current flight operations at Heraklion Airport in the meantime.