Construction of the new Kasteli International Airport, located 39 km southeast of Heraklion, in Crete is accelerating. Designed to become Greece’s second-busiest air hub, the project has reached another key milestone: the Ministry of Environment and Energy has approved the environmental terms for two major road links.
These connections will tie the new airport to Crete’s Northern Road Axis (BOAK) and the Heraklion–Viannos route, both vital arteries for the island’s infrastructure.
With a total budget of 522 million euros and a completion horizon set for the end of 2027, the ambitious project is spearheaded by the company “Heraklion Crete International Airport S.A.” The Greek state holds a 45.9% stake, with Greece’s GEK TERNA group and India’s GMR group owning 32.46% and 21.64% respectively.
The developers aim to establish a model infrastructure project for the Mediterranean region.
Construction is already more than halfway through its heavy structural phase. The airport will cover an area of 6,030 acres and is expected to accommodate 10 million passengers annually from the moment it becomes operational. During the concession period, that figure is projected to exceed 18 million travelers per year.
In line with sustainability goals, the new airport aspires to rank among Europe’s greenest. It will rely on self-produced and efficiently managed energy, incorporating advanced systems to significantly reduce its carbon footprint (CO₂ emissions).
Development Meets History: Archaeological Finds on Site
Along the planned road routes and within the broader project site, archaeologists uncovered significant historical remains. These include a Roman aqueduct and water bridge, a Minoan and Hellenistic settlement, and other important finds on Papoura Hill.
To safeguard this cultural heritage, the approved environmental plan incorporates specific protection measures, ensuring that Crete’s march toward the future respects its ancient legacy.
