The only airport on a Greek island is set to shut for four months despite strong objections from residents.
Chios Island National airport, also known as “Omiros” airport, will be temporarily closed from 15 November 2026 to 15 March 2027.
According to the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA), suspended operations will allow the runway to be extended and upgraded, reported Greek news agency AMNA.
HCAA said the improvements will ensure smooth air connectivity during the 2027 tourist season and mitigate the effects of winter weather conditions.
During the works, emergency flights, including medical evacuations, search and rescue, firefighting, humanitarian, state and other flights of national importance, will be able to operate by helicopter, landing and taking off directly to and from the parking apron.
The runway will be 1,799m long, to accommodate larger types of aircraft, once the project is completed.
The aviation hub primarily serves domestic flights to and from Athens and Thessaloniki using carriers including Aegean Airlines, SKY express and Olympic Air.
Chios, the fifth-largest Greek island, is located in the northern Aegean Sea.
Island authorities have called the airport closure “economic strangulation” for the island, adding that there had been no official consultation with the local community at a press conference this week.
President of the Chios chamber of commerce Pantelis Legatos said: “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.
“Chios, as a border island 5 miles from Turkey, depends on the air connection with the capital for health, entertainment and freedom reasons,” reported EPT News.
The government originally planned to close the airport on 15 January, two months later than the current schedule.
An alternative proposal has been submitted by the deputy governor of Chios, Pantelis Vroulis, which would mean that if the airport does close on 15 November, it could operate during the holiday season, with work completed before Easter.