Operations at Chios Airport runway will be temporarily suspended from mid November 2026 to mid March 2027 due to upgrade of infrastructure works.
According to an announcement by the Greek Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) suspension is scheduled from Sunday night, November 15, 2026 to March 15, 2027, due to works to extend, improve and upgrade the infrastructure.
According to an announcement by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA), operations will be temporarily suspended as part of the ongoing works to extend, improve and upgrade the manoeuvring area and runway at Chios “Omiros” State Airport. The improvements, HCAA said, will ensure smooth air connectivity during the 2027 tourist season, mitigate the effects of winter weather conditions, optimise the organisation and supervision of construction work, and ensuer a smoother technical transition.
NOTAM, emergency flights
In addition, the HCAA has issued a NOTAM for the period during which runway operations will be suspended.
While the works are under way, emergency flights, including medical evacuations, search and rescue, firefighting, humanitarian, state and other flights of national importance, will be able to operate by helicopter, landing and taking off directly to and from the parking apron.
Under the current Phase A, the airport remains operational with a shortened runway, and with flights served by propeller aircraft with a limited number of passenger seats.
The upgrade works include extending the runway northwards and aim to further enhance its already high level of operational safety, the HCAA said. Once the project is completed, the runway will be 1,799 metres long, enabling it to accommodate larger types of aircraft, to the benefit of passengers and the local economy.
PS Several journalists including those of state broadcaster ERT express their perplexity about whether it was the HCAA or the contractor who decided to suspend airport operations and thus for such a long time amid the winter when local residents may need to travel to Athens or the rest of the world for health or other reasons.
With over 50,000 registered permanent residents, the island of Chios is located 226 kilometers (122 nautical miles) away from Athens and Piraeus.
A flight lasts 50 to 55 minutes, while travel by ferry needs 6.5 to 12 hours, depending on the specific itinerary and stops as well as the weather conditions that may disrupts sea traffic especially in the winter months.
Of course, they can fly to/from neighboring island of Lesvos and catch a ferry to/from Chios – in Greece 2026!
So far, there is no official reaction to these questions…