Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport
Also known as: Heraklion Airport, Crete Airport, Nikos Kazantzakis Airport.
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Heraklion International Airport "Nikos Kazantzakis" (HER) is the main airport for Crete, in Greece, named after the Heraklion-born writer. It sits by the sea near Nea Alikarnassos, about 5 km (3 miles) east of Heraklion city center. In 2025 it handled about 10 million passengers, most of them between spring and autumn.
Aegean Airlines and Sky Express link Heraklion with Athens and other Greek cities, and in summer airlines such as Jet2, TUI, easyJet, Eurowings and Ryanair bring visitors from the UK, Germany, Italy, Poland, the Netherlands and the rest of Europe. Many routes are seasonal.
The airport is shared with the military and was extended in 2018 to cope with summer crowds, but it is near its limit. A new airport at Kasteli, about 39 km southeast of the city, is being built to replace it and is due to open in 2027, when Heraklion airport is scheduled to close.
From the airport, most visitors head into Heraklion and the Palace of Knossos, east along the coast to Hersonissos, Malia and Agios Nikolaos, or west to Rethymno and Chania.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Runways
One main runway, about 2,680 m
- Passengers per year
About 10 million in 2025
- Use
Shared civil and military airport
- Replacement
New Kasteli airport due in 2027
Arrival tips for Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport
Flights from Athens and other Schengen countries arrive without passport checks. If you come from outside the Schengen area, as many summer visitors do from the UK, you queue at passport control, where non-EU visitors are registered in the EU's Entry/Exit System. On summer weekends, when many charter flights land close together, passport control, baggage claim and the arrivals area can be very crowded.
Once you have your bags, head outside to the taxi rank, the bus stops and the car rental desks. Buses run into Heraklion and along the coast to the resorts, and taxis wait outside arrivals. Pre-booked drivers usually meet you in the arrivals area.
If you are staying in Hersonissos, Malia or further east, or in Rethymno or Chania to the west, check how far your hotel is: some resorts are more than an hour's drive away.
Greece is on Eastern European Time (EET), two hours ahead of the UK, and uses the euro.
Ground transportation
Heraklion is a short ride away; for resorts along the coast, a pre-booked car or taxi is quicker than the bus.
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Book a transfer from HERPrivate transfer
A pre-booked car meets you in the arrivals area, the easiest option for Hersonissos, Malia, Agios Nikolaos, Rethymno and villas across Crete.
Taxi from Heraklion airport
Taxis wait outside arrivals. Heraklion city is a short ride; summer queues can be long.
Bus to Heraklion and the coast
Buses run into Heraklion and along the north coast to the resorts. The cheapest option, but slower and busy in summer.
Car rental
Rental desks at the airport, useful for touring the island.
Terminals
Terminal
The passenger terminal, extended in 2018, handles domestic and international flights.
Airlines and destinations
Airport lounges
Sky Express Lounge
Sky Express runs a lounge at the airport for its eligible passengers.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Heraklion airport from the city center?
Heraklion Airport is about 5 km (3 miles) east of Heraklion city center, by the sea near Nea Alikarnassos. Taxis, buses and pre-booked cars reach the city in a short ride.
Is Heraklion airport closing?
Yes, it is planned to. A new airport at Kasteli, about 39 km southeast of Heraklion, is under construction and due to open in 2027, when the current airport is scheduled to close. Until then, all flights to central Crete use Heraklion.
How do I get from Heraklion airport to Hersonissos or Malia?
Hersonissos and Malia lie east of the airport along Crete's north coast. Buses run there from the airport, and a taxi or pre-booked transfer goes straight to your hotel, which is easier with luggage in the busy summer season.
Which airlines fly to Heraklion?
Aegean Airlines and Sky Express fly year-round to Athens and other Greek cities. In summer, Jet2, TUI, easyJet, Eurowings, Ryanair and many other airlines bring visitors from the UK, Germany and across Europe.
Is Heraklion or Chania the better airport for Crete?
Heraklion is Crete's main airport and the closer one for Heraklion, Knossos, Hersonissos, Malia and the east. Chania airport is closer for western Crete. Choose the one nearest your hotel to keep the drive short.
When is Heraklion airport busiest?
Heraklion is busiest from late spring to early autumn, especially on summer weekends, when many seasonal flights land close together. Expect queues at passport control and baggage claim, and book your ride ahead.