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.
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Record Tourism Triggers Summer Flight Delays Across Greek Airports
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- Bus Agia Galini → Heraklion
- Bus Agia Galini → Matala
- Bus Agia Galini → Rethymno
- Bus Agios Nikolaos → Heraklion
- Bus Agios Nikolaos → Hersonisos
- Bus Agios Nikolaos → Ierapetra
- Bus Agios Nikolaos → Siteia
- Bus Chania → Heraklion
- Bus Chania → Kissamos
- Bus Chania → Paleochora
- Bus Chania → Rethymno
- Bus Heraklion → Hersonisos
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