- Chios Island National Airport in Greece is set to close for four months between 15 November 2026 and 15 March 2027 for major runway upgrades.
- The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority stated that the project will extend the runway to 1,799 metres to accommodate larger aircraft ahead of the 2027 tourist season.
- Emergency operations, including medical evacuations and search and rescue flights, will continue using helicopters operating from the parking apron.
- Local authorities and business leaders have strongly objected to the plan, describing the winter closure as economic strangulation for the border island.
- An alternative timeline has been proposed by local officials to keep the airport open during the Christmas and New Year holiday period before completing works by Easter.
IN FULL



