Crete has a number of airports, but the majority of travellers will arrive at either Chania or (more likely) Heraklion. Heraklion Airport is a mixed civilian military facility that is trapped between the sea, the mountains, and the city, leaving it little room to expand. It has been clear for a long time that a new airport was needed and plans have focused on a former military base in the mountains near Kastelli.
Work finally started in Feburary just before the Covid-19 pandemic took over global news. Initially the plan was for the airport to be operating within 5 years (by early 2025 or sooner) and work on the road link has also started, with a 17km upgrade linking to the existing national road near Hersonnisos which will make for convenient transfers from the new airport to the resorts on the north coast between Malia and Heraklion.
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