Independent News & Construction Updates
The New International Airport of Heraklion – Opening Expected 2028
The new international airport in Kastelli is now entering its final major construction phase. The runway, taxiway and aircraft apron have already been completed while terminal construction and tunnel works continue rapidly.
Government officials confirmed during a site visit on May 13, 2026 that test flights could potentially begin during 2026 if construction continues at the current pace.
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New road signs featuring the airport symbol have appeared around Kastelli while major sections of the new highway towards Hersonissos are already paved and equipped with lighting and safety barriers.
Recent photographs also show completed roundabouts and access roads that will eventually connect millions of future passengers with Crete's new international airport.
Read Full Update →Last updated: July 2026
As American tourism to Greece continues to grow, the new Kastelli International Airport could create future opportunities for direct long-haul flights to Crete.
Read More →The new Kastelli Airport in Crete will replace the current Heraklion International Airport. Located on the site of the former military airport near Kastelli, the new airport is designed to handle increasing tourist traffic and modern aviation requirements.
Construction began after the concession agreement between the Greek government and the Ariadne Airport Group (GMR Airports & GEK Terna). The new airport is expected to open in 2028.
A new highway connection from Hersonissos and other major tourist areas is currently under construction. The distance from Hersonissos to Kastelli Airport will be approximately 17 km.
New photos taken on 10 May 2026 show clear progress at the new Kastelli International Airport in Crete. The terminal building, access roads and control tower are now clearly visible from several points around the construction area.
The airport is becoming increasingly visible in the landscape near Kastelli, with the main terminal structure standing out between the surrounding hills, roads and olive groves.
The new Kastelli Airport terminal building under construction in May 2026.
The terminal building is one of the most important visible parts of the project. From the surrounding roads, the scale of the airport development can now be seen much more clearly than in earlier construction phases.
New access roads around the airport site are clearly taking shape.
Road infrastructure around the airport area is also progressing. These access roads will form an important part of the future connection between the airport, the surrounding villages and the main road network of Crete.
The future control tower is becoming increasingly visible above the construction site.
The control tower area is another visible sign of progress. Together with the terminal building and road works, it shows that the project is moving from large earthworks into a more recognizable airport construction phase.
A wider view of the airport area, showing the scale of the works in the Kastelli valley.
These latest photos give a useful overview of the current construction stage. The new airport is expected to replace the existing Heraklion International Airport once it becomes operational.
Photo update taken on 10 May 2026.
This photo shows the northern entrance of the twin tunnels that form part of the new highway connecting Hersonissos with the new Kastelli International Airport. Construction work on the tunnel portals and surrounding road infrastructure is clearly visible.
The twin tunnels are approximately 2.8 km long and form a key part of the new 16 km motorway that will connect the upcoming airport with the north coast of Crete. The road will significantly reduce travel time between the main tourist areas and the new airport.
Photo taken on 03 March 2026 during ongoing construction works on the northern side of the tunnel.
The photo below shows the southern construction site of the twin tunnels that form part of the new 16 km motorway connecting the New Crete International Airport at Kastelli with Heraklion. This highway is a key infrastructure element of the airport development.
Photo taken 01 March 2026 – Southern portal excavation works of the 2.8 km twin tunnels. Image © 2026.
Each tunnel measures approximately 2.8 km and includes two 3.5 m traffic lanes, shoulders and pedestrian walkways. The twin tunnels are connected by eight cross-passages and include emergency lay-bys for safety.
The alignment was selected to avoid a narrow gorge, minimise environmental impact and preserve a Roman aqueduct of significant cultural value. Excavation is being carried out using conventional tunnelling methods in complex limestone and flysch geological formations.
Together with the new airport, this motorway will significantly improve accessibility to central Crete and increase transport capacity for the island.
The construction of Kastelli Airport has reached approximately 65% completion.
Visible progress on terminal infrastructure and runway works.
This photo shows the construction area of the future Kastelli International Airport during the early stages of development in November 2022. At this time, the project mainly consisted of large-scale earthworks and land preparation across the former military airport area.
Major airport structures such as the terminal building, runway infrastructure and support facilities were not yet visible. The works at this stage focused on terrain preparation and large-scale excavation across the airport site.
This image shows the early construction phase of the new road that will connect the north coast of Crete and the tourist areas around Hersonissos with the future Kastelli Airport.
At this stage the road consisted mainly of earthworks and rough terrain shaping. Later phases would include tunnel construction, bridges, asphalt and safety infrastructure that will eventually form the new 16 km motorway connection to the airport.
Greece signed the concession agreement for the development, construction and operation of the new Heraklion Airport at Kastelli. The project is managed by Ariadne Airport Group.
The new Kastelli Airport in Crete is currently expected to open in 2028. Construction is ongoing, and progress updates indicate steady development toward completion.
Yes. Once Kastelli Airport becomes fully operational, the current Heraklion International Airport (Nikos Kazantzakis) is expected to close.
The new airport is located near the town of Kastelli in central Crete, approximately 17 kilometers from Hersonissos and about 35 kilometers from Heraklion.
Yes. Multiple car rental companies are expected to operate at Kastelli Airport once it opens, as Crete is a major tourism destination.
Yes. A new road connection is under construction to link the airport efficiently with major tourist areas and the national highway network.
Car Rental at Kastelli Airport
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This website provides independent information and updates about the construction of Kastelli Airport in Crete. Information is based on publicly available sources including:
All construction timelines and opening estimates are based on currently available public information and may be subject to change.