New Heraklion Airport is set to begin operations in 2028, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the construction site of the new Heraklion International Airport in Kasteli, Crete, on Friday.

Describing the project as one of the largest development initiatives underway in Greece, Mitsotakis said the airport is set to become “the most modern in the Mediterranean” and is scheduled to begin operations in 2028.

“Crete is changing. It is rapidly moving into the third decade of the 21st century, addressing long-standing issues of the past and being safeguarded by infrastructure projects that will provide unprecedented growth and momentum,” the prime minister said. He emphasized that the new investments respond to critical infrastructure needs that the island has faced for years.

Mitsotakis noted that the new international airport will handle more than twice the number of flights currently served by Heraklion’s Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, adding that redeveloping the existing airport site will also bring significant benefits to the city of Heraklion.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Dimas said construction of the airport is now 67% complete and confirmed that the facility is expected to be fully operational in 2028.

Later in the day, Mitsotakis is scheduled to meet with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković in Zagreb at 15:45 (Athens time), before taking part in the two-day meeting of European People’s Party leaders.

Major Airports in Greece & Their Locations

1. Athens International Airport (ATH)
📍 Spata, Attica
Greece’s largest airport and main international hub, serving Athens and mainland Greece.

2. Thessaloniki International Airport “Macedonia” (SKG)
📍 Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia
The primary airport for northern Greece.

3. Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER)
📍 Heraklion, Crete
One of the busiest airports in Greece, especially during summer.
(To be replaced by the new Kasteli/Iraklio Airport in coming years.)

4. Chania International Airport (CHQ)
📍 Chania, Crete
Serves western Crete and is a major tourist gateway.

5. Rhodes International Airport “Diagoras” (RHO)
📍 Rhodes Island, South Aegean
A key airport for the Dodecanese islands.

6. Corfu International Airport “Ioannis Kapodistrias” (CFU)
📍 Corfu Island, Ionian Sea
Very popular with European travelers during peak seasons.

7. Kos International Airport “Hippocrates” (KGS)
📍 Kos Island, South Aegean
Serves Kos and nearby islands.

8. Santorini (Thira) International Airport (JTR)
📍 Santorini, Cyclades
A major entry point for one of Greece’s top tourist destinations.

9. Mykonos International Airport (JMK)
📍 Mykonos, Cyclades
Well known for luxury tourism and nightlife travel.

10. Zakynthos International Airport “Dionysios Solomos” (ZTH)
📍 Zakynthos Island, Ionian Sea
Serves one of Greece’s most visited Ionian islands.

11. Kefalonia International Airport (EFL)
📍 Kefalonia Island, Ionian Sea
Key airport for western Greece tourism.

12. Kalamata International Airport (KLX)
📍 Kalamata, Peloponnese
Growing in importance due to tourism and regional development.

Source: Thenationalherald Edited by Bernie