Crete’s new international airport in Kastelli is expected to begin full operations in November 2028, provided construction proceeds as planned, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Dimas said. He stressed that the airport’s opening also depends on improvements to the island’s road network.
Speaking at the Prodexpo 2026 conference, Dimas described the facility as the most modern airport in Greece and one of the most advanced in southeastern Europe. Construction is approximately 73% to 74% complete, he said, adding that the contract for air navigation systems has also been signed.
The minister also announced that the first 10 kilometers of the Northern Crete Road Axis (VOAK) are expected to open to traffic this month.
Crete’s northern highway advances
The VOAK is one of Greece’s major outstanding highway projects, according to Dimas. Work is progressing across several sections of the route.
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On the Agios Nikolaos–Neapoli section, the first 10 kilometers are expected to be delivered for public use within October. Construction on the Hersonissos–Neapoli section, being carried out through a public-private partnership, is also advancing at a satisfactory pace.
For the Kissamos–Heraklion concession section, studies and planning have begun. Road-safety interventions are also underway, alongside work on bypasses around Chania, Rethymno and Heraklion.
The road upgrades are a key part of the infrastructure needed to support the new airport’s operation.
Major road projects in Attica
Dimas also outlined progress on several road projects in the wider Athens region.
Work at the Metamorfosi interchange, where the Attiki Odos toll highway connects with the national highway, is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The project will separate incoming vehicles into two distinct traffic lanes, with the aim of substantially easing congestion at the junction.
The minister also highlighted the planned triple interchange at Skaramagas, whose contract was signed about three and a half months ago. The project is intended to improve traffic flow for heavy vehicles by reducing the need for them to travel through urban areas.
A planned road connection between Oinofyta and Elefsina is part of the same effort to improve transport links.
Thessaloniki expressway nears 70% completion
In Thessaloniki, construction of the elevated expressway has reached nearly 70% completion, Dimas said.
The project aims to double the road’s capacity, increasing the number of vehicles it can serve each hour from 5,000 to 10,000.
Real estate investment reaches €8 billion
Separately, Orestis Kavalakis, Governor of Greek Recovery and Resilience Agency, Ministry of Economy and Finance, said the loan component of Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Facility had mobilized €8 billion in investment across the broader real estate sector.
The loan component has mobilized more than €50 billion in investments overall, Kavalakis said. Of that amount, €1 billion relates to investments by real estate companies, excluding the hotel sector. Total investment mobilized across the wider real estate market stands at €8 billion.
Changes planned for ‘My Home 3’ housing program
Ismini Papakirillou, CEO of the Hellenic Development Bank, also outlined a planned change to the upcoming “My Home 3” housing program.
Under the proposed design, eligible applicants will have more time to find and evaluate a property before proceeding. Papakyriou said demand remains high and that a substantial waiting list from the previous program will be covered in part by the new initiative.