- Chios Airport closes from 15 November 2026 to 15 March 2027.
- Runway will be extended to 1,799 metres.
- Only emergency helicopter flights permitted during closure.
- Local groups oppose closure over Christmas and New Year impact.
- Travellers must use ferry connections during closure.
Chios State Airport Homer will suspend all scheduled operations for four months from 15 November 2026 until 15 March 2027. The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority said the closure will allow completion of runway extension to 1,799 metres to accommodate larger aircraft. Only emergency, medical and national-importance helicopter flights will be permitted during the closure.
The decision has faced strong local opposition from resident groups and the Chios Chamber of Commerce due to economic impact across the Christmas and New Year holidays. Local officials proposed a compromised schedule allowing the airport to operate during the peak winter holiday season. The Chios Municipal Council organised local protests including an island-wide shutdown of shops and businesses.
Travellers looking to reach the island during the four months will need to rely on ferry connections from mainland Greece such as Piraeus or neighbouring islands. Airlines serving domestic routes to Chios including Aegean Airlines, SKY express and Olympic Air are advising travellers to factor the suspension into winter travel itineraries.
The temporary four-month closure is required by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority to execute infrastructure upgrades including extending the northern runway to 1,799 metres. The upgrade aims to accommodate larger aircraft and improve flight safety ahead of the 2027 tourist season.
Emergency operations will remain active via the airport’s parking apron. Helicopters will be permitted to land and take off to facilitate medical evacuations, search and rescue operations and firefighting missions. Airlines serving domestic routes to Chios including Aegean Airlines, SKY express and Olympic Air are advising travellers to factor the suspension into winter travel itineraries.
The closure timeline has met resistance from Chios business leaders, local authorities and residents. Local figures point out that the island relies heavily on air links to Athens for medical appointments, travel and family reunification during the Christmas and New Year period. The Chios Municipal Council organised local protests including an island-wide shutdown of shops and businesses to pressure the government into reassessing the schedule.
