The Greek island of Chios will lose its scheduled commercial air services for four months from 15 November 2026 to 15 March 2027, as authorities close the runway at Homer Airport to allow expansion works to proceed.
The confirmed dates have sparked concern among residents and local businesses, which face months of disruption to travel, professional activities and everyday life during the winter period and Christmas holidays.
The dates emerged in an official document from the Ministry of Transport to airlines. Chios Municipal Council President Klearchos Chryssis presented the document during an emergency council meeting on Wednesday evening to discuss the airport’s future.
Airport closure linked to expansion works
The suspension of airport operations stems from the decision to combine phases B and C of the project to expand the airport’s manoeuvring area.
The ministry’s document cites the need to carry out the works more safely, minimise the impact of weather conditions and protect air connectivity during the 2027 tourist season.
However, Greece’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had not yet issued the relevant NOTAM — a formal notice to airmen — when officials announced the closure dates at the municipal council meeting.
For Chios, an island with approximately 60,000 residents, the loss of scheduled flights presents a significant challenge. Air services provide an essential link with Athens and other destinations, particularly for people who need to travel for medical care, work, education and family commitments.
Without scheduled flights for four months, residents will depend more heavily on ferry services and face greater exposure to weather-related travel disruptions.
Patients, students and workers face travel difficulties
The closure will particularly affect residents who travel off the island for medical examinations, treatment and hospital appointments.
A scheduled medical consultation could require patients and their companions to spend additional days away from home, arrange overnight accommodation and cover higher travel expenses.
Students, workers, military personnel and families with commitments on mainland Greece may also encounter additional difficulties.
The ministry’s document allows helicopters to use the airport’s parking apron for medical evacuations and state-agency operations during the closure.
However, residents and local representatives still need clear operational information about emergency arrangements, including how authorities will coordinate urgent medical transfers and respond when adverse weather disrupts travel.
The arrangements must also address patients who need to travel for planned treatment rather than emergency care.
Local businesses warn of economic consequences
The four-month suspension could also affect Chios’ winter economy.
Hotels, accommodation providers, restaurants, retailers and other businesses that depend on visitors face a period when reaching the island will become more difficult.
Business trips, family visits and short holidays may require more time and complicated travel arrangements, potentially discouraging some travellers from visiting.
Protecting the 2027 summer tourism season remains an important objective of the airport upgrade. However, the closure has also raised questions about how authorities will support residents and businesses during the intervening winter months.
Local representatives argue that infrastructure projects must account for the needs of people who live and work on the island throughout the year, not just the requirements of the next tourist season.
Residents demand a clear travel plan and guarantees
During the municipal council meeting, participants called on the government and relevant authorities to accompany the closure decision with a comprehensive travel plan.
Their demands include:
- Adequate ferry services: Authorities should ensure sufficient maritime connections throughout the four-month closure.
- Support for vulnerable residents: Patients and people with limited mobility or other travel difficulties need practical assistance.
- Clear passenger information: Airlines and authorities should explain arrangements for passengers who have already booked flights.
- Regular progress updates: Authorities should publish updates on construction milestones and the work required to reopen the airport.
- A firm reopening timetable: The 15 March 2027 deadline should rest on verifiable milestones and transparent information about the remaining works and operational procedures.
The reopening date remains a key concern for residents and businesses, who want assurances that scheduled flights will resume on time.
Island residents say authorities have finally disclosed the airport closure dates, which had remained uncertain until now. They are now demanding convincing answers about how Chios will function for four months without scheduled flights and firm guarantees that the temporary suspension will end as planned.
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