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The eastern Aegean island of Chios (Hios) will be without scheduled commercial flights for four months, from Nov. 15, 2026, to March 15, 2027, as work to expand the maneuvering area at Homer Airport will close off the sole runway.
The scheduled shutdown has generated protests from local officials, residents and business representatives, who warn that the loss of air links with the mainland and charter connections will complicate medical travel and burden the island’s winter economy.

The closure dates were confirmed in a transport ministry document presented Wednesday evening at the Chios municipal council during an emergency council meeting.

The works involve combining the second and third phases of the airport expansion project. Authorities say the schedule is intended to improve construction safety, limit weather-related delays and ensure that air links are available ahead of the 2027 summer tourist season. A formal aviation notice had not yet been issued when the dates were presented.

The closure falls during the island’s low season, avoiding the peak summer tourism period. However, local stakeholders argue that the timing does not remove the difficulties for Chios’ approximately 60,000 residents, who rely on air connections for essential rapid travel.

The ministry document allows helicopters to use the airport parking apron for medical evacuations and state-related operations.

At the emergency meeting, local stakeholders called on the government to ensure adequate ferry connections, practical assistance for patients and vulnerable residents, as well as clear guidance for passengers with existing flight bookings and regular updates on construction progress.

They also demanded verifiable milestones to guarantee that the airport reopens on March 15 as scheduled.