Crete's New Kastelli Airport Signs Four Agreements on Tourism, Transport and Innovation
The management of the new Heraklion International Airport in Kastelli has signed four key cooperation agreements covering environment, tourism, transport, and innovation as preparations continue for its 2028 launch.
- The new airport in Kastelli is scheduled to begin operations in November 2028, replacing the existing Heraklion airport.
- Four agreements were signed with environmental, port, regional, and transport authorities.
- The initiatives aim to promote sustainable tourism, integrated transport solutions, and real-world technology testing.
Planning a trip to Crete in the coming years? The Kastelli airport project will significantly upgrade the island's aviation and transport infrastructure. In the meantime, regular flights continue to land at the existing Heraklion airport, and travelers should check their flight schedules ahead of time.
Expanding Partnerships Ahead of Opening
The management of the new Heraklion International Airport in Kastelli, Crete, is advancing preparations for the airport's scheduled launch in November 2028. As part of this progress, four major cooperation agreements have been signed with various government, regional, and environmental bodies to strengthen the island's infrastructure.
The agreements bring together the airport operator with the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA), the Heraklion Port Authority, the Region of Crete, and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. The objective is to combine tourism development with environmental protection, advanced transport solutions, and new technologies.
Connecting Tourism, Ports, and Innovation
The agreement signed with the Heraklion Port Authority aims to link passenger traffic between sea and air more closely, boosting the region's role as a leading cruise and homeporting hub in the Eastern Mediterranean. Simultaneously, the partnership with the Region of Crete integrates the local Innovative Entrepreneurship Observatory into the airport's surrounding technology ecosystem.
Additionally, a memorandum with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport explores the establishment of a Multi-Sector Regulatory Sandbox to test innovative applications in energy, transport, data management, and artificial intelligence under real-world operating conditions. This initiative follows a previous partnership with the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH).
Integrating Natural Heritage and Sustainability
The agreement with the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency focuses on environmental education, promoting sustainable tourism, and enhancing biodiversity awareness. The vision is to introduce millions of incoming visitors to Crete's unique natural heritage right from their arrival at the terminal.
The Kastelli airport project continues to move forward according to schedule, with management aiming to build an integrated ecosystem that combines modern infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and regional economic growth.
FAQ
When is the new Kastelli airport scheduled to open? The new international airport in Kastelli, Crete, is scheduled to begin operations in November 2028.
Which airport is currently operating in Heraklion? Until the new facility opens, all flights continue to operate through the existing Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport in Heraklion.
What sectors are covered by the new airport agreements? The agreements cover environmental protection, sustainable tourism, port connectivity, and the testing of new transport and technology innovations.
