The construction of the New Heraklion International Airport at Kastelli, Crete, is nearing completion.
This landmark project is poised to radically transform the air transport map of Crete and develop into one of the most modern and competitive airports in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Project status for the Heraklion International Airport
Progress on the project is highly advanced, with construction expected to finalize ahead of initial projections:
According to data from the construction arm, TERNA S.A. (part of the GEK TERNA Group), the overall progress of the works as of October 31, 2025, has exceeded 65%.
The schedule remains aggressive, with first test flights tentatively scheduled for 2027, signaling the final countdown to full operation.
The construction of the 400,000 square meter main runway is reaching its final stages, while work on the auxiliary facilities and the vast terminal building is progressing rapidly.
Scale, facilities, and capacity
The Kastelli Airport is designed to handle the growing tourism and cargo demands of Crete, replacing the existing, capacity-constrained Nikos Kazantzakis Airport in Heraklion:
Terminal Building: It will feature a massive 72,000 square meter terminal, designed to accommodate modern passenger flows efficiently.
Runway: The new airport will boast a primary runway approximately 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) long, capable of handling all types of modern passenger and cargo aircraft, including large wide-body jets.
Annual Capacity: Upon its initial operation, the airport is expected to serve up to 9-10 million passengers annually, with significant potential for future expansion. This represents a substantial increase over the current Heraklion airport’s capacity.
Commercial Hub: The surrounding area will include a Commercial Activities Zone of approximately 300,000 square meters for logistics, hotels, and support services, positioning the airport as a major economic driver for the region.
The project is being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model by the Heraklion Crete International Airport (HCIA) consortium.
The Greek State holds a significant stake of 45.9%, with GEK TERNA Group holding 32.46% and the Indian GMR Group holding 21.64%.
The new facility is being built on the site of a former military airbase and is designed to maintain a dual role, serving both commercial and military needs, which enhances Greece’s strategic posture in the region.
Related: Heraklion: Discover the Capital of Crete
