Heraklion International Airport, also known as Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, is the largest and busiest airport on the island of Crete, serving both domestic and international flights. Whether you are visiting Crete for business, leisure, or a family vacation, navigating the airport can sometimes be overwhelming. For passengers with reduced mobility, special needs, or other requirements, Heraklion Airport offers a range of special assistance services to ensure that your travel experience is as smooth and comfortable as possible.

In this article, we’ll explore the various special assistance services available at Heraklion Airport, how to access them, and tips to make your journey more enjoyable and stress-free. Keep in mind that the airport will get very bussy during the summer. The airport staff is very helpful and will do their best to help as best as they can. It can however take some time before special assistance can be arranged due to the large volume of passengers during the summer months.

Overview of Special Assistance Services

Heraklion Airport is committed to making travel accessible to all passengers, regardless of physical limitations, disabilities, or other specific needs. The special assistance services are designed to provide support for individuals with mobility challenges, visual or hearing impairments, those traveling with young children, and passengers requiring additional support due to illness or injury.

Some of the key services offered include:

• Wheelchair Assistance
• Priority Check-In and Security
• Escort Services to Gates
• Accessible Toilets and Facilities
• Parking for Disabled Passengers
• Assistance for Passengers with Visual and Hearing Impairments
• Assistance for Pregnant Women and Families with Children

These services are available both for passengers arriving and departing from the airport, making it easier for travelers with special needs to navigate all areas of their journey.

2. Wheelchair Assistance

One of the most essential special assistance services at Heraklion Airport is wheelchair assistance. Passengers with mobility issues or those who require a wheelchair for any part of their journey can request this service in advance. The airport provides wheelchairs to assist passengers from check-in through security, to the boarding gate, and, if necessary, to the aircraft door. For arriving passengers, the service also extends to helping them disembark and navigate to baggage claim or customs.

The airport ensures that passengers who require wheelchairs are given priority boarding, allowing them to board and disembark the aircraft with ease. Wheelchairs are available for both short and long-term assistance, and passengers are encouraged to request them in advance to avoid any delays or complications on the day of travel.

3. How to Request Special Assistance

To ensure that your special assistance needs are met, it is important to request the service in advance. Airlines typically require passengers to notify them of their special assistance needs at least 48 hours before departure. This allows the airport staff to make the necessary arrangements for a smooth experience. In some cases, passengers can also request assistance directly through the airport’s customer service desk.

Upon arrival at the airport, passengers with special assistance needs should inform the check-in desk or staff at the assistance point of their requirements. Dedicated staff members will then coordinate the necessary services, ensuring that the passenger is assisted through every step of the airport journey. It’s important to keep in mind that all passengers who require special assistance are given priority over other travelers in terms of boarding and disembarking.

4. Priority Check-In and Security

Heraklion Airport offers priority check-in and priority security screening for passengers requiring special assistance. When passengers inform the check-in staff of their needs, they are directed to the dedicated counters for expedited check-in. This process helps reduce wait times and ensures that passengers with special needs are given the necessary attention.

Similarly, passengers with special assistance needs are eligible for priority security checks. This allows for a more relaxed and stress-free experience, as the security process is streamlined to accommodate the passenger’s needs. If necessary, security staff are trained to handle passengers with disabilities, including those with hearing impairments, visual impairments, or mobility challenges.

5. Escort Services to Gates

Heraklion Airport offers escort services to help passengers with special assistance navigate through the airport terminals. Once passengers check in and complete security procedures, they can be escorted by staff members to their designated gate, ensuring that they are well taken care of throughout the process. This service is especially helpful for passengers who may have difficulty navigating the airport on their own or who need assistance with language barriers.

Passengers with special assistance needs are also helped with finding their way to any necessary amenities, such as restrooms, lounges, or places to eat. Staff will ensure that they are comfortable and well-supported, allowing them to focus on their travel experience without worrying about getting lost or missing important connections.

6. Accessible Toilets and Facilities

Heraklion Airport is equipped with accessible toilets and facilities to accommodate passengers with mobility impairments. These specially designed facilities are located in both the departure and arrival areas and are fully accessible for wheelchair users. The airport also provides changing areas for those who need assistance with personal care.

In addition to accessible toilets, the airport is designed with wide corridors and ramps for easy movement throughout the terminal, ensuring that passengers with wheelchairs or other mobility devices can navigate the airport without difficulties. Elevators and automatic doors are available for seamless access between different floors of the terminal to reach the gate.

7. Parking for Disabled Passengers

For those traveling by car, Heraklion Airport offers designated parking spaces for passengers with disabilities. These spaces are located close to the terminal entrances, allowing easy access to the check-in area. Blue badge holders (or those with a disability parking permit) can park in these spaces. The spaces are very limited.

8. Assistance for Passengers with Visual and Hearing Impairments

Heraklion Airport is committed to providing assistance for passengers with visual and hearing impairments to ensure they can travel comfortably and safely. For passengers with visual impairments, airport staff can provide assistance with orientation through the airport, guide them to check-in counters, security, and boarding gates, and help with any other needs throughout the airport.

For passengers with hearing impairments, Heraklion Airport offers various solutions, including the option to communicate through written messages or assistive devices. Important airport announcements are often displayed visually on monitors in the terminal, ensuring that passengers with hearing impairments are informed about flight schedules, boarding times, and gate information. Additionally, the airport offers assistance to help passengers navigate through security checks and boarding without complications.

9. Assistance for Pregnant Women and Families with Children

Heraklion Airport also provides special assistance for pregnant women and families with children. Pregnant women may require extra support when traveling, and airport staff can assist with a priority check-in process, access to seating areas, and assistance through security and boarding.

For families traveling with young children, the airport offers family-friendly services such as assistance with strollers, access to family seating areas, and priority boarding for families with small children. There are also baby-changing facilities and nursing rooms within the terminal to ensure that families are well-catered for during their time at the airport.

10. Airport Lounge Access for Special Assistance Passengers

For passengers requiring special assistance who may need a quiet and comfortable space to wait before their flight, Heraklion Airport offers access to airport lounges. The lounges are equipped with amenities such as comfortable seating, snacks, drinks, and quiet areas, providing a relaxing environment away from the busy terminals. Some lounges may have specific services for passengers with mobility impairments or other special needs. The lounges are never free, it is however a good option for a more relaxing travel experience.

11. Arrival Assistance

For arriving passengers, the airport provides assistance once they disembark from their flight. Special assistance staff will help guide passengers to baggage claim, customs, and the exit. If necessary, they can also help passengers with onward transportation or connections to other locations. This ensures a seamless and hassle-free arrival experience for passengers with special needs.

Make sure to request special assistance before your flight at your travel agent or airline. The special assistance is available from the check in desk onwards. Some travel agencies like TUI and JET2 have airport representatives working on the airport.  They can help you to recieve assistance ealier upon arrival.