Chios Airport on the Greek island of Chios will shut down for four months, suspending all flights, according to the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority. The closure, scheduled from November 15 to March 15, 2027, will allow for runway extension and upgrade works ahead of next summer's tourist season.
Runway Extension Details
The current runway is 1,511 metres long, which prevents wide-bodied aircraft from landing. The airport currently handles smaller propeller planes or narrow-body aircraft. Visitors, including Britons, must fly to Athens or Thessaloniki before taking a smaller connecting plane to Chios. Some UK airports, including Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, and Edinburgh, offer flight packages with connecting flights.
Once completed, the runway will measure 1,799 metres and will accommodate much larger aircraft. Emergency flights, including medical evacuations and search and rescue operations, will be permitted to land during the works.
Economic and Social Impact
The closure has drawn opposition from local leaders. Pantelis Legatos, president of the Chios chamber of commerce, stated: "The early closure will seriously affect the economy and society of the island, especially during the holiday season (Christmas, New Year), when people have planned trips, family visits and medical appointments."
Legatos added: "Chios, as a border island 5 miles from Turkey, depends on the air connection with the capital for health, entertainment and freedom reasons." The island has around 50,000 residents and will be cut off to visitors during the four-month period.
Revised Closure Schedule
The original plan was to close the airport on January 15, months later than the current schedule. The new closure period runs from November 15 until March 15, 2027, affecting travel plans for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
