A European holiday island in Greece is set to shut its only airport for four months, suspending regular passenger flights during the winter season. Chios Island National Airport, also known as Omiros Airport, will remain closed from November 15, 2026, to March 15, 2027, for runway extension and upgrade work. The decision has drawn strong opposition from local authorities and business representatives over its potential impact on residents and the island’s economy.
Runway extension and upgrade work behind airport closure
According to the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA), the project will extend the runway towards the north and upgrade the airport’s infrastructure.
The improvements are intended to strengthen flight safety, ensure smooth air connectivity during the 2027 tourist season and reduce the impact of winter weather conditions, Greek news agency AMNA reported.
Once completed, the runway will measure 1,799 metres, allowing the airport to accommodate larger types of aircraft.
Domestic flight connections to be affected
Chios Airport mainly handles domestic flights connecting the island with Athens and Thessaloniki. Airlines operating these routes include Aegean Airlines, SKY Express and Olympic Air.
Emergency operations will be permitted during the closure. These include medical evacuations, search and rescue missions, firefighting, humanitarian operations, state flights and other services of national importance.
According to the HCAA, helicopters carrying out these operations will be allowed to land and take off directly from the airport’s parking apron.
Local authorities warn of economic impact
The planned shutdown has drawn strong opposition from local authorities and business representatives. Island authorities have described it as “economic strangulation” and alleged that the local community was not officially consulted before the decision was taken.
Pantelis Legatos, president of the Chios Chamber of Commerce, said the early closure would seriously affect the island’s economy and society, particularly during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
He said residents had already planned trips, family visits and medical appointments during this time.
“Chios, as a border island 5 miles from Turkey, depends on the air connection with the capital for health, entertainment and freedom reasons,” Legatos said, according to EPT News.
FAQs
Where is Chios island located?
Chios is the fifth-largest Greek island, located in the northern Aegean Sea, around five miles from the Turkish coast.
What is Chios famous for?
Chios is known for its production of mastic, a natural resin obtained from mastic trees. The island is also known for its traditional villages and beaches.
Can tourists reach Chios by ferry?
Yes. Chios has ferry connections with mainland Greece and other Aegean islands. Travellers can consider ferry services during the airport closure, subject to schedules and availability.
Airport closure brought forward from January to November
The Greek government had initially planned to close the airport from January 15, 2027. The revised schedule brings the shutdown forward by two months, leaving residents and businesses with less time to prepare for the disruption.
The change has also raised concerns about the timing of the project, as the closure will cover the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
Deputy governor proposes holiday-season reopening
Pantelis Vroulis, deputy governor of Chios, has submitted an alternative proposal to limit the disruption.
Under the proposal, the airport could reopen during the Christmas and New Year holiday period after its planned November 15 closure. The remaining construction work could then be completed before Easter.
The proposal aims to maintain air connectivity during the holiday season while allowing the runway upgrade project to proceed. However, the officially announced schedule remains a closure from November 15, 2026, to March 15, 2027.
