Greece’s Parliament has ratified an agreement to build a modern international airport at Kastelli on Crete. This month’s decision went forward in the wake of criticism about delays in the large project, remuneration for expropriations and environmental concerns, according to reports.
All parties of parliament voted for the proposed airport except the Communist Party and Golden Dawn. According to the provisions of the proposal, the new airport will replace the current Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport in Iraklio, and provide more handling capability for the ever-increasing flow of travelers to Greece’s biggest island.
The project was awarded to the single bidder, Ariadne Airport Group, a joint venture between GEK Terna and India-based GMR Airports Limited. It is budgeted at 850 million euros.
GEK Terna president Michalis Gourdzis said that the airport, despite being “modern, cheap, competitive international airport with growth prospects” should be linked to the main arteries on the island.
The Kastelli airport will have a dual 3.2 km runways, an apron of 400 acres, suited to accommodate up to 30 aircraft. The 72,000 square meter terminal will have five levels. Upgrades of roads and the building of new transit arteries are expected as well.