When will the Crete new airport open, and how far along is construction?

Greece reports 44.5% completion. The target opening is December 2027, with testing possibly extending to April 2028. That means at least three more summer seasons at the current Heraklion facility. Capacity is planned to scale from 10 million to 18 million passengers over time. Travelers should expect familiar peak-season congestion until handover. Airlines will adjust schedules cautiously and prioritise reliability over rapid expansion.

How does the Heraklion airport delay affect German travelers and pricing?

The delay keeps the current setup in place through 2027, so summer crowds remain likely. German travelers should book early for July and August, consider shoulder months, and plan extra time for arrivals and departures. Limited operational buffers can support firmer pricing in peak weeks. Off-peak windows often offer better availability and calmer airport conditions before the Crete new airport opens.

What is the Greece tourism outlook once the new facility is online?

After the Crete new airport begins operations, capacity should scale toward 18 million passengers, enabling more flights and better throughput. We expect improved on-time performance, steadier load factors, and easier route planning for airlines serving Greece. Benefits will be gradual, depending on testing, ground access, and staffing. Travelers can anticipate smoother peak seasons over time and potentially broader city-pair options from German airports.

Global Market Insights

January 10: Crete’s New Airport Delay Pushes Capacity Boost to 2027

ByDanny Kontos January 10, 2026January 10, 2026

Crete new airport delays shift the outlook for Greece tourism and German travel plans. Greece reports 44.5% completion, with opening now targeted for December 2027 and trial operations possibly slipping to April 2028. Capacity is set to scale from 10 million to 18 million passengers over time. For Germany, this pushes route planning changes and keeps the current Heraklion setup in place longer. We explain how the Crete new airport timeline affects bookings, airline capacity, and investment views through 2028.