Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport Guide
Heraklion International Airport sits 5 km east of the Cretan capital, within the municipality of Nea Alikarnassos. It is Greece's second busiest airport after Athens, handling 9.4 million passengers in 2024 — a 42% rise on the previous year. The airport operates from a single terminal building extended in 2018 and has two runways.
The airport serves as the primary gateway to Crete for European holiday traffic. Aegean Airlines dominates scheduled domestic services, while Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, Jet2, and TUI Airways operate high-volume seasonal routes connecting Crete to destinations across the UK, Germany, France, Poland, and beyond. More than 60 airlines used the airport in 2024.
Owned and managed by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA), the airport is scheduled to close when the new Kasteli International Airport opens east of the city, currently projected for 2027. Until then, HER remains the sole commercial airport serving central and eastern Crete.
Services
5 of 6 availableCompare 35 listed options at Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, spanning parking, car rentals, lounges, hotels and shuttles. Each guide sets out locations, distance from the airport, key features and links to book direct, so you can weigh cost against convenience before you fly. Select a service below to see every provider we track for Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport.
Location
Key facts
- Size
- 9.4M passengers (2024)2 runwaysopened 1939
- Location
- 35.340, 25.180
- Operator
- Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA)
Terminals
1 terminalHeraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport has 1 passenger terminal — Main Terminal, handling both international and domestic flights for around 10 airlines. Check which terminal your airline uses before you travel, as check-in, security and boarding points differ between them, and moving from one to another can take time.
- Main TerminalMixed
Aegean Airlines, Sky Express, Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, TUI Airways, Jet2, Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways
Nearby cities
5 citiesHeraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport is closest to Heraklion (5 km west), and also serves Hersonissos, Malia and other nearby areas. With 5 towns and cities within reach, it is a practical gateway for the wider region. Distances shown are straight-line from the airport, so allow extra time for road transfers, traffic and parking.
- Heraklion5 km west
- Hersonissos25 km east
- Malia32 km east
- Agios Nikolaos60 km east
- Rethymno83 km west
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the airport codes for Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport?
What are the airport codes for Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport?
Where is Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport located?
Where is Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport located?
What services are available at Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport?
What services are available at Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport?
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