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Heraklion Airport Traffic Soars in February With 323% Surge in International Passengers

Heraklion Airport reports +10.93% increase in domestic passengers and a 323% rise in international traffic in February 2026 compared to last year.

Passenger traffic at Heraklion Airport recorded strong growth between 1 and 28 February 2026, with increases in both domestic and international flights, and an especially sharp rise in international traffic.

Domestic Traffic Up 10.93%

A total of 846 commercial domestic flight movements (arrivals and departures) were recorded during February. Of these:

  • 818 were operated by Greek airlines
  • 28 by foreign airlines

Arriving passengers reached 67,247, while departing passengers totaled 67,437.

Compared with February 2025, when 60,623 passengers were recorded, this year’s figure shows an increase of 6,624 passengers, representing a +10.93% rise.

International Traffic Up 323%

International activity, though smaller in volume, showed dramatic growth.

A total of 45 commercial international flight movements were operated by Greek airlines, carrying:

  • 2,232 arriving passengers
  • 2,152 departing passengers

Overall, international passengers reached 7,283 in February 2026, compared with just 1,718 in February 2025.

This represents an increase of 5,565 passengers, translating into a remarkable 323% year-on-year growth rate.

Traffic by Country

Between 1 and 28 February 2026, the following movements were recorded:

  • Albania: 22 movements
  • Cyprus: 20 movements
  • Czech Republic: 20 movements
  • Germany: 19 movements
  • Netherlands: 16 movements
  • Turkey: 14 movements
  • Greece (domestic): 846 movements

In total, the airport handled:

  • 957 aircraft movements
  • 74,220 arriving passengers
  • 74,752 departing passengers

Despite February traditionally being part of the quieter winter period, the figures suggest a strengthening trajectory for Heraklion Airport as the new tourism season approaches. Domestic travel remains steady, while international connections are gaining significant momentum compared to last year.

Categories: Crete
Arthur Butler: Arthur Butler is Argophilia’s resident writing assistant and creative collaborator. He helps shape evocative stories about Crete and beyond, blending cultural insight, folklore, and travel detail into narratives that feel both personal and timeless. With a voice that is warm, observant, and a little uncanny, Arthur turns press releases into living chapters and local legends into engaging reads.
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