The modernisation of the Chania airport in Crete is a key component in developing the island's tourism and economy.
- 09 April 2014
Crete is the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean, and has been part of Greece since 1913. The cradle of the Minoan civilisation, it is famed for its archaeological sites – particularly Knossos – the beauty of its olive-orchard countryside, the charm of its monasteries and its villages tucked away in the mountains. All of these assets are prized by tourists.
A 21st century airport
The Chania airport expansion project consists in extending the existing terminal building and installing aviation service infrastructure, as well as developing the grounds around the airport. The modernisation works commenced in 2013 and will be completed in 2015. They will boost the island's accessibility from mainland Greece – and Europe in general – and therefore contribute to the development of the island's local economy.
This initiative falls under the aegis of the Trans-European Airport Network, whose objective is to improve air travel throughout Europe. The works conducted at Chania will bring it up to the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which are international regulations on the sustainable development of air travel and airports as well as enhancement of passenger safety and comfort.
Some figures
The airport's area will almost triple, from its current 13 325 m² up to 31 368 m², with four levels. A new building to house the control tower (1 873 m²), a bus depot (2 566 m²) with two levels as well as a waste storage area (483 m²) will be built. The area surrounding the buildings (34 555 m²) will be redeveloped, with special modernisation of an area of 21 600 m².
These works are expected to create 928 jobs during the execution phase. Afterwards, the new airport will add 17 new jobs.
Project execution and management have been entrusted to the EYDE for airports for southern Greece. EYPA (Greek Civil Aviation Service) is the body in charge of airport management and operation.
Total cost and EU funding
The “Chania national airport terminal building and auxiliary service infrastructure extension and improvement of surrounding grounds” project represents a total investment of EUR 109 419 182. The contribution from the European regional development fund comes to EUR 71 280 032 under the “Improvement of Accessibility” operational programme for the 2007-2013 planning period.