Chios Airport, the only airport on the Greek island of Chios, will suspend operations on November 15 as part of a major upgrade project, with all flights cancelled until March 2027.
The transport hub, located on Greece's fifth-biggest island, will close for a significant revamp that includes extending the runway and upgrading facilities ahead of next year's tourist season, according to the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority.
Runway Extension and Impact on Flights
The runway will be extended to 1,799 metres, enabling larger planes to land on the island, which currently only has capacity for small propeller or narrow-body aircraft. The airport primarily serves domestic flights to and from Thessaloniki and Athens using Greek carriers.
Some UK airports, including London Gatwick, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Manchester, offer packages with connecting flights to the island.
Concerns Over Economic Impact
Officials on Chios have warned that the closure could deal a blow to Christmas and New Year travel. Pantelis Legatos told EPT News: "The early closure will seriously affect the economy and society of the island, especially during the holiday season, when people have planned trips, family visits and medical appointments."
He added: "Chios, as a border island five miles from Turkey, depends on the air connection with the capital for health, entertainment and freedom reasons."
Limited Access During Closure
During the four-month closure period, access to the island will be limited to ferry journeys, which can take around seven hours from Athens compared to a 50-minute flight, effectively cutting off Chios' 50,000 inhabitants in what authorities have labelled an act of "economic strangulation".
Emergency flights will still be permitted to land, including search and rescue operations and medical evacuations. The backlash followed the closure initially being scheduled for January 15, when it would have avoided disruption to seasonal travel.
