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Airlines Expand Routes Via Asia-Gulf Hubs, Boosting Crete Access

Friday, 3 July 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

Several major airlines, including Qatar Airways in partnership with carriers from Oman, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Thailand, have launched ten new international routes linking Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia. While none of these routes connect directly to Crete, travelers flying into Heraklion (HER) or Chania (CHQ) from Asia, the Gulf region, or Australia may benefit from improved onward connections through hub airports such as Doha, Istanbul, or Kuala Lumpur. This expanded network reduces layover times and increases flight frequency, making Crete more accessible for long-haul visitors, particularly from Southeast Asia and the Gulf. Travelers from these regions should check connecting itineraries through Doha or Istanbul, which offer strong onward links to both of Crete's international airports, especially during the summer season from May through October.

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