The State Airport of Chios "Homer" will temporarily suspend operations from the evening of Sunday 15 November 2026 until 15 March 2027, as part of works to extend and upgrade the take-off and landing runway, according to an announcement by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA).
The Authority considers the suspension necessary for the safe execution of the works, which include extending the runway to the north and an overall improvement of the airport's operational infrastructure.
As the HCAA points out, the planning takes into account the particularities of an airport with a limited runway length, the winter weather conditions and the need to ensure smooth air links to the island during the 2027 tourist season.
Shorter timetable for the works
Under the updated schedule, the works in the second and third phase will be completed in four months, instead of the five months foreseen in the original approved timetable.
At the same time, the contractor has pledged to make every effort to speed up the works, with the aim of completing them by 28 February 2027. The HCAA notes that its goal is to limit the runway closure to the shortest possible period.
For the duration of the shutdown, a relevant NOTAM has already been issued so that all parties concerned are informed and can adjust their planning in good time.
What applies to emergency flights
During the works, emergency flights will be able to operate with helicopters, landing and taking off directly to and from the airport apron.
This provision covers, among others, air ambulance transfers, search and rescue missions, firefighting operations, humanitarian and state missions, as well as other flights of national character.
It is noted that at this stage the airport remains operationally available, as the works are still in their first phase. Flights are being served by turboprop aircraft with a limited number of passengers, due to the temporary reduction in the available runway length.
1,799m-long runway once the works are completed
The upgrade provides for the extension of the runway to the north, bringing its total length to 1,799 metres.
The aim is to further enhance operational safety and to enable the airport to serve larger types of aircraft, a development expected to strengthen Chios's air connections and bring benefits both to passengers and to the local economy.
The HCAA calls on passengers, airlines and all stakeholders to take the planned suspension of operations into account when arranging their travel between 15 November 2026 and 15 March 2027.
Reactions from the local community – protests and request for a meeting with the minister
Local organisations on Chios are warning of protest action, including the possibility of shutting down shops to keep the airport open over the holidays, reacting to the plan for an earlier suspension of the island's airport operations.
At the same time, they are requesting a meeting with the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport in order to clarify the timetable for the works and avoid last-minute changes.
Representatives of local bodies express their strong opposition to the prospect of the airport closing on 15 November instead of 15 January, as they say was initially agreed. They describe such a development as a blow to the economic and social life of Chios and call for the original schedule to be respected.
The president of the Chios Chamber of Commerce, Pantelis Legatos, warned of the impact that the interruption of air links will have, especially during the festive period, when many residents have already planned journeys, family visits and medical appointments.
He stressed that the geographical position of Chios, about five nautical miles from the Turkish coast, makes the air link with Athens particularly important for residents' access to health services, as well as for their personal and social needs.
Doubts over completion of the works
Reservations about the timetable were also voiced by the regional governor of the North Aegean, Kostas Moutzouris, who took part via teleconference from Mytilene. He raised questions as to whether the airport will be ready to resume operations before Easter 2027.
At the same time, he underlined the need for a substantive upgrade of the airport's infrastructure, noting that he will take part in the decision-making procedures on the issue.
'No decision without the local community'
The mayor of Chios, Giannis Malafis, stressed the need to maintain the island's air connection during the major festive periods.
The mayor asked for the airport to remain in operation at Christmas, New Year and Easter, while also insisting that any decision on the future of the project should be taken in consultation with local bodies and Chios society.
The timetable for the works remains at the heart of the reactions, with the island's representatives seeking clear answers on the duration of the shutdown and its impact on residents' daily lives and on the local economy.