Back to newsGreece is experiencing significant flight delays this summer due to record tourist numbers, air traffic congestion, and limited airport capacity. Athens International Airport and major island airports, including Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ) in Crete, are among the most affected. Delays are caused by a combination of high flight volumes, understaffed air traffic control, and infrastructure limitations that have not kept pace with demand.
Travellers flying into or out of Crete should expect potential delays of one to several hours. Practical steps include arriving at the airport well in advance, monitoring your flight status regularly through your airline's app, and building buffer time into any same-day connections. Booking morning flights where possible reduces the risk, as delays tend to compound throughout the day. Contact your airline directly for rebooking options if your flight is significantly disrupted.
tourism
Record Tourism Triggers Summer Flight Delays Across Greek Airports
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Getting around Crete by bus
- Bus Agia Galini to Heraklion
- Bus Agia Galini to Matala
- Bus Agia Galini to Rethymno
- Bus Agios Nikolaos to Heraklion
- Bus Agios Nikolaos to Hersonisos
- Bus Agios Nikolaos to Ierapetra
- Bus Agios Nikolaos to Siteia
- Bus Chania to Heraklion
- Bus Chania to Kissamos
- Bus Chania to Paleochora
- Bus Chania to Rethymno
- Bus Heraklion to Hersonisos
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