- Kastelli International Airport: expected completion by February 2027
- Initial capacity of 10 million travelers, expandable to 18 million
- Replacement for Heraklion’s Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport
- Aims for environmental sustainability with advanced energy management systems
The new aviation hub near Kastelli will take over the duties of Heraklion’s existing airport and become Greece’s second-busiest airport. Scheduled for opening in 2027, the facility is designed to handle up to 18 million passengers annually. However, the project is not without controversy due to its historical roots and archaeological findings.
Located on a site once used as a World War II airfield, the airport’s construction has sparked opposition among locals. Despite this, tourism development projects usually receive swift regulatory approval in the region. A recent archaeological discovery—a structure believed to be an ancient site for feasting and rituals—will be preserved, and plans are underway to relocate a proposed radar station to an alternative location.
Architectural Advances and Environmental Considerations
The project, helmed by a consortium including GEK Terna and GMR Airports, is nearing halfway completion. As of now, the terminal, which stands at 93,572 square meters, is 40% completed. A newly constructed runway stretching 3,200 meters will accommodate long-haul flights.
Set to be a “green airport,” the facility incorporates state-of-the-art technology to minimize its carbon footprint. The terminal will feature 19 gates with leisure and essential service facilities, elevating the passenger experience through biometric controls and entertainment options.
Infrastructure and Connectivity
New road networks connecting Northern and Southern Crete will improve access to the airport. Upon completion, a 25-kilometre stretch will reach Southern Crete, and the North Road Axis of Crete (BOAK) will soon develop, making travel to the airport from Heraklion a swift 25-minute drive.
Additional facilities will include general aviation areas, VIP terminals, maintenance hangars, and more. A commercial zone spread over 700 acres will seamlessly blend with the urban landscape, offering travellers diverse amenities.
The new terminal will feature 19 boarding gates, eight of which are adaptable for both Schengen and non-Schengen flights. Spanning a total area of 94,000 square meters across eight levels, the terminal promises an immersive travel experience. Throughout their journey, passengers will benefit from biometric and automated procedures, along with an array of entertainment and leisure options. Facilities for dining, prayer, and family care ensure a comfortable and unique stay.
Advanced Aircraft Infrastructure
- Aircraft Parking: 33 remote positions designed for power-in – power-out operations with ICAO Code C and equipped with a fuel hydraulic system. Code C aircraft also has 10 Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBB).
- MARS Positions: 6 multi-aircraft ramp system positions for ICAO Code E class aircraft, complete with Fuel Hydrant, 400 Hz Power Supply, and Pre-Conditioned Air.
- Helicopter Facilities: 3 designated parking spaces for helicopters.
Runway and Aviation Facilities
The airport will feature a new runway, 3,200 meters long, suitable for civil and military use, classified as ICAO 4E. This runway is connected to the existing military runway of the 133rd Battle Squadron by two taxi links.
Additional Features
- VIP and General Aviation Terminal: Capacity for 16 aircraft
- De-icing and Washing: Specialized installations
- Support Facilities: Includes fuel storage, biological treatment, and waste management systems
- Maintenance: MRO aircraft maintenance hangar
- Commercial Spaces: Terminal shopping areas covering 13,000 sqm
- Transportation Hub: Includes a bus terminal and other public transport services
- Storage and Office Space: Over 6,000 sqm dedicated to storage and office functions
Delays and Challenges
To date, more than 35 archaeological sites have been identified amidst the development of the airport and its road network. Although Greek authorities have chosen to proceed with construction, the relics are receiving the protection they deserve.
The archaeological finds aren’t the only challenges facing the airport’s timeline. The COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected airport investments, halting privatization efforts and slowing new construction. In February 2020, the Greek Prime Minister marked the commencement of the Kastelli/New Heraklion Airport on Crete with a groundbreaking ceremony. Yet by June 2022—over two years later—there hadn’t been any significant progress, with construction expected to start that summer.
The project timeline has shifted several times. Initially set for completion by May 2024, an updated estimate suggested 2025. However, a recent announcement now pegs the opening for February 2027. This extension comes as the world navigates economic obstacles like high inflation and potential stagflation, further complicated by geopolitical tensions in Europe.
Once operational in 2027, Kastelli International Airport will replace the current Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport in Heraklion. It will emerge as Greece’s second-largest airport, equipped to accommodate up to 18 million passengers each year. This development promises to transform the island’s air travel landscape, enhancing its connectivity and capacity.
It remains to be seen how the ongoing challenges will shape Kastelli Airport’s journey, but its eventual completion is poised to set a new standard for air travel in Greece.
