Chios Airport to Close Four Months for Runway Upgrades

The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority will close Chios Airport for four months, from November 15, 2026, to March 15, 2027, to extend and upgrade its runway. The project will increase the runway length from 1,511 meters to 1,799 meters, enabling the facility to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft before the next summer tourist season.

All commercial flights will be suspended during this period, including flight packages from UK airports such as Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, and Edinburgh. The authority will continue to permit emergency flights for medical evacuations and search-and-rescue operations.

The Chios Chamber of Commerce has opposed the schedule, specifically arguing that moving the closure date up from January 15 will harm the local economy and residents. Pantelis Legatos, president of the chamber, stated that the early closure will seriously affect the island during the Christmas and New Year holiday season when residents have planned family visits and medical appointments.