Kastelli Airport Construction Updates
03 March 2026 – North Portal Tunnel Construction
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.
South Portal Construction – Kastelli Airport Twin Tunnels
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.
Project Background
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.
December 2025 – 65% Completion
The construction of Kastelli Airport has reached approximately 65% completion.
10 July 2024 – Terminal & Runway Progress
Visible progress on terminal infrastructure and runway works.
November 2022 – Early Airport Construction Area
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.
November 2022 – Early Construction of the Hersonissos–Kastelli Highway
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.
