- Rhodes International Airport (RHO) enters its fourth primary infrastructure phase, boosting runway and terminal capability.
- The upgrade signals an operational shift towards higher capacity and longer seasons for Rhodes, tapping into off-peak demand.
- Local hoteliers and stakeholders anticipate a surge in arrivals during the shoulder season, while concerns persist regarding environmental and community impacts.
- Investment focus: runway safety, apron expansion, improved services — part of a broader national airport modernisation plan.
When the summer crowds fade and the sun-baked beaches slow their turnover, the island of Rhodes is getting ready for a structural shift. The airport where thousands arrive and depart each season isn’t just repeating the same old script. It’s rewriting it.
Upgrade Scope and Timeline
The operator Fraport Greece has launched the fourth phase of its nationwide upgrade programme, which includes Rhodes among several regional airports. The timeline: From November 18, 2025, to March 24, 2026, runway operations at Rhodes will be suspended for 24 hours every Tuesday and Wednesday to allow for significant work on safety strips and end-of-runway areas (RESA). Fraport AG
The expanded apron- and terminal-related works aim not just to boost capacity but to align Rhodes with international standards of safety and throughput. Elxis – At Home in Greece
While commercial flights continue outside these brief suspension windows, the operational rhythm of the island’s gateway is shifting.
Impact on Tourism
For an island long dependent on summer sun and quick weekly holiday cycles, the upgraded airport has layered significance:
- Improved runway capacity means easier handling of larger aircraft, translating into more route options and better off-season connectivity.
- Shoulder-season travellers, conferences, and niche tourism markets (e.g., wellness, cultural, cycling) become more accessible when airport infrastructure is modernised.
- According to data, the 14 regional airports managed by Fraport have experienced continuous passenger growth: 31.19 million in 2022 (+79% over the previous year) to approximately 36 million in 2024. Elxis
- Thus, Rhodes isn’t just adding capacity; it’s positioning itself for a longer tourism year, one less dependent on the peak summer season.
Local Reactions and Community Impact
Local hoteliers near the airport in the town of Koskinou and parts of Rhodes city view the upgrade as a double-edged sword. On one hand: more flights, higher occupancy, better room rates even in November. On the other hand, greater noise, more traffic, and a risk of further seasonal commoditisation.
One small boutique owner noted:
“We welcomed winter guests last year and they loved the quiet island — but if 50 % more flights come in November, it won’t feel quiet anymore.”
Environmental groups point out that runway expansions often increase impervious surfaces and runoff into surrounding farmland. Local authorities say mitigation measures are built into the concession agreement. eKathimerini
What to Watch for in 2026
- Flight frequency & new routes. As runway works wrap up, airlines may deploy more direct flights from Northern Europe and allow larger aircraft into Rhodes.
- Off-peak room pricing. Hotels must anticipate the potential for better occupancy but also manage yield carefully — too many deeply discounted rooms could undermine premium segments.
- Sustainable growth. The island’s lifespan as a tourism destination depends on managing growth carefully. Infrastructure upgrades must go hand in hand with local planning, environmental safeguards, and community voice.
- Operational disruptions. Although planned, the runway suspension windows (Tues 18:01–Wed 17:59) could still impact scheduling. Travellers and operators need to factor in those windows. Fraport AG