A major transformation is underway on the Greek island of Crete. The new Kastelli International Airport—destined to replace Heraklion International Airport (HER)—is on track for completion by February 2027, according to a recent announcement by the Ariadne Airport Group.
Construction Update
The ambitious €850 million project, jointly led by GEK Terna (Greece) and GMR Airports Limited (India), is making swift progress:
40% of the main building is already complete
90% of the terminal structures are built
Construction is underway on the power plant and waste management facility
The foundation of the air traffic control tower is now finished
With a total surface area of 93,572 square meters, the airport will be 32% larger than originally planned and nearly twice the size of the current Heraklion Airport.
Designed for the Future
The airport’s 3,200-meter (2-mile) runway will accommodate large aircraft, including long-haul international flights and wide-body jets such as the Airbus A380.
By 2030, the passenger capacity is projected to reach 10 million travelers per year, with future expansions targeting up to 14 million.
Where Is the New Airport?
The new airport is located near Kastelli, a small village in the municipality of Heraklion, approximately 35 km southeast of the capital city, Heraklion, Crete.
Currently, Kastelli hosts a military airstrip used by the Hellenic Air Force, originally built in 1940. The development of the new international hub on its outskirts requires extensive infrastructure upgrades, including:
A 17-kilometer access road connecting the airport to the A90 highway, which runs along Crete’s northern coast near Hersonissos
Installation of modern water supply and sewage systems
Development of new utilities to support energy and waste needs
Once complete, travel time from Heraklion city center to the new airport will be around 40 minutes by car.
A Long-Awaited Project
Discussions around replacing the aging Nikos Kazantzakis Heraklion Airport have been ongoing for over a decade. After numerous delays, the Greek Parliament approved the Ariadne Airport Group’s proposal in 2017, and ground was officially broken shortly afterward.
The project not only promises to modernize Crete’s aviation infrastructure but also aims to significantly boost tourism, reduce congestion, and enhance international connectivity to the island.
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