Newsflash from Wednesday, 22 October 2025: Starting November 2025, Heraklion Airport will introduce a €3 passenger charge to fund maintenance and upgrades until the new Kastelli Airport opens.
Starting November 1, 2025, passengers departing from Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” will face a new €3 passenger charge, according to local authorities. The new fee aims to fund maintenance, upgrades, and essential improvements at the aging airport — one of the busiest in Greece.
✈️ Why the New Fee?
The Heraklion airport, which has served travelers for over eight decades, continues to handle millions of passengers annually, far exceeding its original capacity. Its infrastructure has long been considered outdated, with frequent reports of overcrowding, long queues, and poor facilities.
According to the airport’s director, Mr. Iakovos Ouranos, the new €3 charge will be retained entirely by the Heraklion airport authority. The goal is to finance building maintenance, material supplies, and operational upgrades necessary to keep the airport functional and safe until its eventual closure.
How Much Will Passengers Pay?
Until November 2024, the airport’s passenger fee stood at €12.30 per traveler. It was later reduced to €3.30, a portion of which was directed to the under-construction Kastelli Airport and the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA).
From November 2025, the additional €3 charge will bring the total passenger fee to €6.30:
– €3.30 → continues to support national aviation infrastructure (Kastelli project & HCAA)
– €3.00 → stays with Heraklion Airport for local improvements
️ Temporary Measure Before the Big Move
This measure is temporary and will remain in effect until the closure of “Nikos Kazantzakis” Airport, when operations transfer to the new Heraklion International Airport in Kastelli — a €1.5 billion project currently under construction.
The Kastelli Airport, led by GEK TERNA, is progressing steadily, with completion expected around 2027. Once operational, it will replace Heraklion’s current airport and reshape Crete’s aviation landscape, offering modern facilities and expanded capacity for the island’s booming tourism sector.
What Travelers Should Expect
Passengers flying out of Heraklion after November 1, 2025, will see the new charge automatically included in their ticket price or airport fees. Airlines and travel agencies are expected to update their pricing systems accordingly.
While some travelers may view the new fee as an inconvenience, local officials emphasize that the funds are vital for maintaining safety and service standards during the airport’s final years of operation.
“This measure ensures that Heraklion Airport can continue to serve passengers with dignity and safety until the transition to the new Kastelli facility,” said Mr. Ouranos.
The Future of Air Travel in Crete
Once the Kastelli Airport opens, it will become Greece’s second-largest airport, significantly boosting Crete’s connectivity and tourism potential. For now, however, the €3 charge represents a bridge investment — keeping Heraklion’s current airport operational until the next chapter begins.
Source: Rethemnos News
