Chios airport faces four-month closure for runway works
Local representatives oppose the November start date, saying a January shutdown had been agreed, and are seeking talks with the transport minister.
Chios airport will halt operations on the evening of 15 November 2026, with the shutdown lasting until 15 March 2027, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) has announced. The closure will allow runway expansion and infrastructure improvements, but has drawn opposition from organisations on the Greek island.
The HCAA says suspending operations is necessary to carry out the work safely. The runway will be extended northwards to reach 1,799 metres, with the upgrade intended to improve safety and accommodate larger aircraft.
A revised timetable reduces the second and third construction phases to four months from the originally approved five. The contractor has promised to try to accelerate construction, aiming to finish by 28 February 2027. The authority says it wants to keep the closure as short as possible.
Emergency helicopter services will remain possible, using the airport apron for arrivals and departures. These include medical transfers, rescue missions and firefighting. For now, the airport remains open during the first construction phase, with turboprop services carrying fewer passengers because the usable runway has been shortened.
Local bodies say 15 January had been agreed as the closure date. They are seeking a meeting with the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport and warning of protests, potentially including shop closures, in an effort to preserve holiday flights.
Chios Chamber of Commerce president Pantelis Legatos warned that the interruption would affect residents' festive travel, family visits and medical appointments. Mayor Giannis Malafis wants services maintained over Christmas, New Year and Easter, and local representatives consulted on decisions.
North Aegean regional governor Kostas Moutzouris also questioned whether operations would resume before Easter 2027, while stressing that the airport needs infrastructure improvements.
