Crete has three airports handling both domestic and international flights, namely Heraklion International, Chania International, and Sitia Public Airport. Heraklion is the island's primary hub and handles the highest passenger volume, while Chania services numerous seasonal flights to western areas. The smaller Sitia airport accommodates limited domestic connections and occasional summer charter flights. These air transportation facilities provide convenient access to Crete's urban centers, vacation destinations, and remote locations, making flying an essential component of island exploration.
The airports of Crete are Heraklion International, Chania International, and Sitia Public Airport. Each facility covers the island’s different regions with varying flight offerings. Heraklion accommodates the majority of travelers as Crete's principal and most active airport, while Chania primarily serves the island’s western portion. The smaller Sitia Public Airport offers a limited number of connections, mostly to domestic destinations.
Heraklion International Airport is located 3.1 kilometers (1.9 miles) east of Heraklion city center in the Alikarnassos area. The airport uses the designations HER (IATA) and LGIR (ICAO). Heraklion International stands as Crete's largest aviation facility, processing more than 8 million travelers yearly. The facility functions with separate terminals for domestic and international travel. Amenities include check-in facilities, luggage processing, tax-free shopping, vehicle hire companies, eateries, and money exchange services. Private transfers are available at Heraklion Airport, offering a dependable service to various destinations throughout the island. Heraklion International functions as a crucial entry point for visitors to Crete. The airport experiences peak activity during summer months when vacation flights and budget airlines expand their operations. Heraklion maintains domestic connections to Athens and Thessaloniki. The facility offers international flights to numerous European destinations through carriers such as Aegean Airlines, Lufthansa, Ryanair, easyJet, and TUI.
Chania International Airport is located 13.7 kilometers (8.5 miles) northeast of Chania city center on the Akrotiri Peninsula. The airport carries the IATA code CHQ and the ICAO code LGSA. It operates from a single terminal that accommodates both domestic and international flights. The facility welcomes millions of travelers annually, especially during the busy summer tourist period. Services available at the airport include luggage handling, cash machines, dining options, car rental desks, and a small selection of retail outlets.
Chania Airport serves as a key gateway to Crete’s western region and typically sees a surge in traffic during summer months due to seasonal flights and charter activity. Travelers can book a private transfer in Chania Airport to reach their destination efficiently. The airport maintains regular domestic routes to major cities in Greece and offers international flights to places such as London, Paris, Berlin, and Copenhagen. Airlines flying out of Chania include Ryanair, Sky Express, Aegean Airlines, and Scandinavian Airlines.
Sitia Public Airport is located 3.7 kilometers (2.2 miles) northwest of Sitia town in the eastern part of Crete. The airport is identified by the IATA code JSH and the ICAO code LGST. It functions as a small regional airport serving fewer passengers compared to Heraklion or Chania. The terminal is modest, providing basic amenities such as a check-in area, a waiting lounge, and minimal food services.
Sitia Airport plays a key role in connecting the more remote Lassithi region with other parts of Greece. Travelers arriving at the airport can find taxis directly outside the terminal for local transfers. The airport offers domestic flights to Athens and occasionally to other islands, mainly operated by Sky Express and Olympic Air. During summer, the airport may host a limited number of seasonal international charter flights, depending on demand and airline scheduling.
The closest airport to Crete is Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport, located in Heraklion, the island’s capital. The airport is located on the northern coast, offering direct access to key resort areas and towns. Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport is 32 kilometers (19.9 miles) from Malia Beach and 20 minutes from the northern coastal road of Crete, making it the most accessible entry point for travelers heading to northern destinations. This airport handles the highest volume of traffic in Crete and operates both domestic and international flights year-round.
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