Heraklion Airport Information and Statistics
Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" (IATA: HER, ICAO: LGIR) is the second busiest airport in Greece, serving as the main gateway to the island of Crete. Named after the renowned Greek writer and philosopher Nikos Kazantzakis, the airport is located 5 km east of Heraklion city center, near the municipality of Nea Alikarnassos.
Key facts about Heraklion Airport:
- Opened: March 1939
- Annual passenger traffic: 8.1 million passengers in 2022
- Runway: One, 2,680 meters long
- Operating hours: 24/7
- Airlines served: Over 40
The airport serves Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, Malia, Hersonissos, Stalida, Elounda, and other popular tourist destinations in Crete. It offers both domestic flights within Greece and international flights to major European cities, with many seasonal routes operating during the peak summer months.
Despite its high passenger volume, Heraklion Airport has limited facilities. During busy periods, especially in summer, passengers may experience congestion and queues extending outside the terminal building.
Future plans:
A new airport is under construction at Kastelli, about 40 km from Heraklion. This ambitious project, with an estimated cost of 1.5 billion euros, aims to replace the current Heraklion Airport. Key points about the new airport:
- Expected opening: By the beginning of the 2025 tourist season
- Projected capacity: 5 to 10 million passengers per year
- Funding: Concession basis for 35 years
- Impact: Will cease operations at the current "Nikos Kazantzakis" airport upon inauguration
The new airport project also includes the development of new road infrastructure to connect it with the northern coast highway near Hersonissos.
It’s worth noting that the airport is sometimes referred to by various names, including Iraklio, Heraclion, and Iraklion, reflecting different transliterations of the Greek name
History
The Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" has a rich history dating back to the late 1930s. Here’s a brief overview of its origins and key historical events:
Early Beginnings
In 1937, construction began on a small airfield about 10 km east of the ancient Knossos palace. The site, initially flat agricultural land, saw its first aircraft landing in the summer of 1939 when a Junkers Ju-52 with a capacity of 14 passengers touched down.
World War II and Resumption
Air traffic was suspended during World War II but resumed in autumn 1946 with the introduction of Douglas DC-3 aircraft. The initial facilities were rudimentary, consisting of three tents serving as administration, airline offices, and a passenger hall.
Gradual Development
- 1947: First permanent building constructed
- 1948: "Hellas" airline inaugurated flights, serving 4,000 passengers
- 1953: Runway 09-27 built, initially 1,850 meters long
- 1954: First four-engine aircraft (DC-4) landed, boosting annual passenger numbers to 18,000
- 1957: Olympic Airways began using DC-6 aircraft, increasing capacity and frequency of Athens-Heraklion route
Modern Era
The airport underwent significant expansion in the late 1960s and early 1970s:
- 1968-1971: Runway extended to 2,680 meters
- 1971: New terminal buildings opened
- 1972: Official inauguration of the new airport complex
Since then, the airport has seen continuous improvements:
- 1988-1997: Multiple expansions of departure and arrival lounges
- 2005: Major extension adding nearly 19,000 square meters
Looking Ahead
As of 2025, Heraklion Airport handles over 8 million passengers annually, making it Greece’s second busiest airport. Plans are underway for a new, larger airport at Kastelli to accommodate growing traffic and modernize facilities.
Heraklion Airport Traffic Statistics: 2010-2024
| Year | Aircraft Movements | Passengers | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 42,396 | 4,907,337 | -2.9 |
| 2011 | 44,520 | 5,292,687 | +7.9 |
| 2012 | 40,856 | 5,076,329 | -4.6 |
| 2013 | 43,544 | 5,792,429 | +14.7 |
| 2014 | 43,637 | 6,024,958 | +5.2 |
| 2015 | 43,970 | 6,057,355 | +0.5 |
| 2016 | 47,804 | 6,742,746 | +11.3 |
| 2017 | 51,114 | 7,336,783 | +8.8 |
| 2018 | 55,680 | 8,098,465 | +10.4 |
| 2019 | 52,294 | 7,933,558 | -2.0 |
| 2020 | 20,876 | 2,398,264 | -69.8 |
| 2021 | 38,628 | 5,046,236 | +112.2 |
| 2022 | 55,549 | 8,099,255 | +60.5 |
| 2023 | 57,473 | 8,723,031 | +7.7 |
| 2024 | 62,723 | 9,384,233 | +7.6 |
Most popular destinations from Heraklion
| Destination | Airlines |
|---|---|
| Atenas | Aegean, Sky Express, Volotea |
| Salónica | Aegean, Ryanair, Sky Express |
| Rhodes | Aegean, Neos, Sky Express, TUI Fly |
| Ámsterdam | Transavia, TUI Fly |
| Praga | No especificada |
| Barcelona | Bluebird Airways, Vueling |
Most popular flights served by Heraklion
| Origin | Weekly Flights | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Atenas | 68 | 56.20% |
| Thessaloniki | 17 | 14.05% |
| Munich | 16 | 13.22% |
| Rodas | 8 | 6.61% |
| Berlín | 6 | 4.96% |
| Ámsterdam | 2 | 1.65% |
| París | 2 | 1.65% |