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Heraklion Airport Ranked Worst in Europe as Overcrowding Worsens

Thursday, 9 July 2026/SourceGoogle News/1 min read
Heraklion's Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER) has been ranked the worst airport in Europe, according to a recent report highlighted by MSN. The airport, which serves as Crete's main international gateway, handles millions of visitors each summer but has long faced criticism for overcrowding, limited facilities, and outdated infrastructure that struggles to meet peak-season demand. For tourists travelling to Crete, this rating reflects a reality many already experience: long queues, limited seating, and congested terminals during July and August. Practical advice for visitors includes arriving at the airport well ahead of departure, especially during summer, and checking flight status in advance as delays are common. The situation may improve in the coming years as the new Kastelli International Airport, currently under construction east of Heraklion, is expected to open around 2028 with significantly greater capacity.

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