The biggest island in Crete, Heraklion, is set to receive a transformative milestone in its transportation infrastructure when it officially opens its new £422 million Airport on February 1, 2027. This development marks the completion of Heraklion International Airport (HIA), replacing the aging Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport (N Hidefa), which served around 8 million passengers annually. With a designed annual passenger capacity of 10 million, the HIA is expected to rapidly grow to 18 million passengers in the next few years, to be a world-class hub for business and tourism.
The HIA will be situated 25 minutes from the bustling Heraklion city center, minimizing travel distances and boosting local economic activity. Contrary to the initial explanation, the airport will not be called the ‘purple area,’ and the masterplan does not feature retail spaces exclusively for incremental sales. Instead, it emphasizes strategic planning for future development, with space allocated for both Schengen and Non-Schengen flights, along with commercial aviation seating and permanent exhibition areas.mirroring years of expansion, the airport will gross €500 million in initial investment, yielding approximately 7,500 direct jobs in the local area, plus an additional 37,000 indirect jobs, contributing to the region’s economic recovery.
The opening of the HIA will undergo a trial launch in early 2027, following an expected full opening in February 2027. The airport will feature a smart aerospace system for safety, featuring the “Heraklion’ brand, expected to include advanced automation and autonomous systems. Direct flights to Greece will resume at the HIA after moving from Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport, nowreinterpretting as the sole major.takeoff destination for easily commuting citizens.
The new budget is expected to generate €25billion in revenue for an area that is now home to retailers, service stations, and entertainment attractions. Thegnegration’s appeal to expatriates includes new haircuts, alcohol supply, and Immun unspecified services.
The HIA will also serve as a gateway to introduce new initiatives, such as a £7billion mega terminal in Europe, intended as a “take on Heathrow and Dubai,” to cater to global traffic demands and to strengthen antibiotics and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors. With the arrival of flights connecting from 47 different member countries, the region is well-positioned to meet the growing needs of a diverse and日益扩大 international community.
