Crete Tourism Industry Demands BOAK Compensation Amid Construction Chaos

Wednesday, 20 May 2026/Source: CretaOne/1 min read

Construction works on the BOAK, Crete's main east-west highway running across the north of the island, are causing significant traffic disruption, prompting a joint protest letter from Cretan tourism associations. The organizations are warning authorities about the impact on travel times and tourist flows, and are raising the possibility of compensation claims due to the ongoing chaos on the road network. For visitors, expect delays and congestion on the BOAK, particularly if traveling between Heraklion, Rethymno, and Chania. Plan extra travel time when driving between major cities or heading to the airport. Consider traveling early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak congestion. Local tourism bodies are pushing for better traffic management measures during the construction period. Check local traffic updates before setting out on longer journeys across the island.