Why the only airport on one of Greece’s biggest islands is closing for four months

16 Oct 2026 • 5:49 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Why the only airport on one of Greece’s biggest islands is closing for four months

  • 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.

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