Chios Island National Airport will suspend all commercial flight operations starting tomorrow, November 16, 2026, remaining closed for four months to facilitate a critical runway extension.
The project, managed by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA), aims to upgrade the facility to accommodate larger aircraft by the summer 2027 season.
The closure changes how the Greek island operates, as it currently relies on a 1,511-metre runway that restricts access to smaller, propeller-driven or narrow-body aircraft. The project is designed to integrate the island into the broader European tourism network by allowing wide-bodied planes to land directly, eliminating the need for current passengers from the UK or Ireland to transit through Athens or Thessaloniki.
The timing of the closure—spanning the winter period including Christmas and New Year’s Eve—has drawn sharp criticism from business leaders who fear the isolation will devastate the local economy.
“Chios, as a border island 5 miles from Turkey, depends on the air connection with the capital for health, entertainment and freedom reasons,” said Pantelis Legatos, President of the Chios Chamber of Commerce.
Local authorities have characterized the disruption as a form of “economic strangulation,” noting that the loss of flight access forces residents and visitors to rely on a seven-hour ferry journey to the mainland, a route that is far more susceptible to winter weather cancellations than air travel, according to Extra.ie.
The decision to halt flights is an operational necessity driven by the physical constraints of the current runway. Because the extension requires heavy machinery and work zones that infringe upon the existing flight path, standard safety regulations mandate a full suspension of commercial traffic.
| Metric | Current Specification | Post-Upgrade Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Runway Length | 1,511 metres | 1,799 metres |
| Aircraft Capability | Propeller / Narrow-body | Wide-bodied aircraft |
| Operational Status | Fully functional | Suspended (Nov 2026 – March 2027) |
Despite the total suspension of commercial air travel, the airport will not be entirely abandoned. The HCAA has confirmed that emergency flight protocols will remain in effect throughout the four-month window. Medical evacuations, search and rescue operations, and other emergency response flights will continue to be permitted to land, ensuring that the island’s critical safety infrastructure remains intact despite the lack of tourism and transport links.
The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority has not yet released a firm date for the reopening in 2027, as the schedule remains dependent on the progress of construction and meteorological conditions throughout the winter months. For residents and frequent travelers, the next four months represent a period of reduced connectivity, with the primary alternative remaining the long-distance sea link to the Greek capital.
With the airport gates set to close tomorrow, the local community remains focused on how these essential services will be maintained until the runway is ready for the summer season.
Earlier coverage: Chios Airport to Close for Four Months for Runway Expansion
