Chios Airport to Suspend Operations for Four Months for Runway Upgrades
The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) has announced that the State Airport of Chios will suspend all operations from 15 November 2026 until 15 March 2027. The closure is required to facilitate the extension and upgrade of the airport's runway, which is intended to increase the total length to 1,799 metres and allow for the accommodation of larger aircraft. While the HCAA aims to complete the project by 28 February 2027, the current official closure window remains four months. During this period, only emergency flights, such as air ambulances and search and rescue missions, will be permitted using helicopters. Local leaders, including the mayor of Chios and the president of the local Chamber of Commerce, have expressed strong opposition to the timing, citing concerns over the impact on the local economy and residents' access to essential services during the holiday season.
Key points
- Chios Airport will close from 15 November 2026 to 15 March 2027 for runway extension works.
- The project aims to extend the runway to 1,799 metres to support larger aircraft.
- Emergency services, including air ambulances and firefighting, will continue via helicopter.
- Local officials and business representatives oppose the closure dates, requesting the airport remain open during the festive period.
- The contractor aims to finish by 28 February 2027, though the official closure extends into March.
What happened
The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) announced that the State Airport of Chios will suspend operations for four months to complete runway extension and infrastructure upgrades. The closure is scheduled to begin on 15 November 2026 and last until 15 March 2027. A NOTAM has been issued to notify airlines and passengers of the disruption.
Context and local opposition
Local stakeholders, including the Chios Chamber of Commerce and the mayor of Chios, have voiced strong opposition to the closure schedule. They argue that the timing, which covers the Christmas and New Year period, will negatively affect the local economy and restrict residents' access to medical appointments and family travel. Regional governor Kostas Moutzouris has also raised concerns regarding the project's timeline and whether the airport will be ready to resume operations before Easter 2027.
What's next
Local organizations are seeking a meeting with the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport to discuss the project timeline and potential adjustments. While the contractor has pledged to attempt completion by 28 February 2027, the official suspension remains in place through mid-March. Emergency and state-related helicopter flights will continue to operate from the airport apron throughout the construction period.
Why it matters
The four-month closure of Chios Airport will disrupt travel and medical access for residents, with local officials disputing the project's timeline.
What we know
- The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority reports the State Airport of Chios will suspend operations from 15 November 2026 until 15 March 2027.
- The HCAA reports the runway extension project aims to increase the total length to 1,799 metres.
- The HCAA reports emergency flights via helicopter will remain permitted during the closure.
- The HCAA states the closure is necessary for the safe execution of runway upgrades.
What remains unclear
- Local organizations and officials oppose the closure schedule, citing negative impacts on the local economy and residents' travel.
- It is uncertain if the contractor will successfully complete the works by the target date of 28 February 2027.
- The regional governor has expressed doubt regarding the airport's readiness to resume operations before Easter 2027.
