Heraklion may charm with its lively port and timeworn character, but Crete is getting ready to trade in some of that grit for gloss. By 2028, the island will unveil Kastelli International Airport—a €500 million project that promises to transform how the world arrives on its shores. Rising from the rural heartland just 25 minutes southeast of Heraklion, this sprawling complex is being hailed as Crete’s largest infrastructure investment to date.

According to Greek Transport Minister Christos Staikouras, the new airport will “open new prospects for development.” In simpler terms: Crete is preparing to welcome more visitors, more flights, and more opportunity—preferably without the long lines and outdated facilities of the Nikos Kazantzakis Airport it replaces.

What Awaits at Kastelli

Designed to initially accommodate 10 million passengers annually (and eventually up to 18 million), Kastelli International Airport is built with expansion in mind. The five-level terminal will feature 19 boarding gates, including zones for both Schengen and non-Schengen flights—streamlining the often-confusing passport shuffle.

Travelers can expect the usual modern conveniences: duty-free shops, exhibition spaces, restaurants, and retail outlets. A 3,200-meter runway will support larger aircraft, while a parallel taxiway ensures smoother, faster air traffic flow. And yes, there’s space set aside for further growth—because in Crete, the only thing growing faster than olive trees might be tourism.

Economic Impact and Opportunity

The numbers behind the airport are as ambitious as the structure itself: 7,500 direct jobs created, 37,000 more in related industries, and a tangible boost to sectors like hospitality, transport, and retail. Beyond passenger travel, Kastelli is also set to enhance Crete’s trade and export capabilities, making it a logistical hub as well as a tourism magnet.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis calls it “the most important infrastructure project in Crete for the next decades,” framing the airport as a transformative force for local life and the island’s future.

What It Means for Travelers

With major carriers such as British Airways, Jet2, and easyJet expected to shift summer operations to Kastelli, the island’s must-see sites will be more accessible than ever. This ease of arrival will bring new waves of visitors eager to explore:

• Knossos Palace – Where Minoan myths meet guided tour reality

• Elafonissi Beach – Famed for pink sands and postcard-perfect sunsets

• Samaria Gorge – A rugged escape for the hiking-inclined

• Balos Lagoon – Crete’s dreamscape of turquoise waters and rocky trails

• Heraklion Archaeological Museum – A treasure trove of Minoan art and artifacts

• Spinalonga Island – History, intrigue, and an unforgettable boat ride

Of course, with accessibility comes impact. Questions remain: Is the island’s infrastructure ready for the influx? Can Crete preserve its authenticity in the face of surging tourism?

Modern Marvel or Concrete Concern?

While many locals welcome the promise of economic revitalization, others worry that the pace of progress could overtake the island’s delicate balance. More flights mean more rental cars on winding roads, more visitors in small villages, and the ever-present risk of overtourism.

Yet one thing is certain—Crete isn’t slowing down. Kastelli International Airport is more than a new terminal; it’s a symbol of the island’s evolving identity, one foot in its ancient past and the other racing toward a modern, global future.

So whether you’re flying in for mythic ruins, pristine beaches, or a plate of fresh dakos by the sea, get ready: Crete’s next chapter will land with runway lights blazing.