Flights to Chania from Israel: summer direct flights, and the rest of the year
In summer there is a daily Bluebird direct flight; the rest of the year you connect via Athens. All the options, times and when it is cheapest.
- In summer 2026 Bluebird ran a daily direct route to Chania, from €122 one way (IAS).
- Out of season there is no direct flight; the easiest route is via Athens.
- You can also land in Heraklion and drive about two and a half hours west.
If you are planning western Crete, first check for a direct Chania flight on your dates. If there is none, compare a direct Heraklion flight plus the drive with a connection in Athens.
Is there a direct flight from Tel Aviv to Chania?
In summer, yes; the rest of the year, no. In summer 2026 Bluebird launched a daily direct route from Tel Aviv to Chania, with fares from €122 one way, according to the travel site IAS (May 2026). It was the only airline flying direct to Chania. As of October 2026, according to FlightConnections, there are no direct flights on the route, and no summer 2027 restart date has been published.
Chania is one of Crete's two international airports. The other is Heraklion, which has more direct flights over more months. Full comparison in flights to Crete from Tel Aviv: Heraklion and Chania.
How to fly to Chania without a direct flight
According to FlightConnections, these are the one-stop options:
| Via | Flight to Chania | Total flying time (excluding layover) |
|---|---|---|
| Athens | Aegean, Sky Express or Ryanair, about 55 minutes | about 3 hours |
| Rhodes | Aegean, mainly June–September | about 2 hours 50 minutes |
| Paphos, Cyprus | Ryanair (until October) | about 2.5 hours |
The easiest year-round route is via Athens: there are many direct flights from Tel Aviv to Athens, and several domestic flights a day to Chania. On a single Aegean ticket your bag is checked through and you are protected if you miss the connection.
Tips before you book
- Baggage: low-cost and charter fares do not always include a suitcase. Check what is included before comparing, as a bag fee can change the picture.
- Two separate tickets: if you buy the Athens flight and the domestic flight separately, leave at least three hours between them. If the first flight is late, the second airline does not have to wait.
- Strikes: before you fly check our strikes today page. Air traffic control or airport staff strikes affect domestic flights.
- Travel insurance: make sure it covers delays and cancellations, especially with a connection.
Chania or Heraklion: where to fly?
- Chania is close to Chania town, Rethymno and western Crete: Balos, Falasarna, Elafonisi and Samaria.
- Heraklion is close to the centre and east: Knossos, Hersonissos, Agios Nikolaos and Elounda.
- The airports are about 140 km apart. If there is a direct flight only to Heraklion, you can land there and drive west, about two and a half hours.
More on the regions in our Crete guide by region, and on Rethymno in Rethymno, Crete: guide.
When is it cheapest to fly to Chania?
- May, June and September: usually cheaper than July–August, with pleasant weather.
- Book early: summer direct flights are best booked in winter, as there is one flight a day.
- Compare: on our cheap flights to Greece page we update the lowest fare from Tel Aviv to Greek destinations every morning.
From Chania airport to town
The airport is on the Akrotiri peninsula, east of town. You can reach town by taxi or KTEL bus. Most visitors hire a car at the airport, as western Crete's sights are spread out. Israelis need an International Driving Permit; see Israeli driving licence in Greece.
Shabbat and kosher food in Chania
Chania has the historic Etz Hayyim synagogue. For Shabbat, kosher food and Chabad in the area see our Chabad Crete guide.
FAQ
How long is the flight from Tel Aviv to Chania? About two hours direct. Via Athens, about 3 hours of flying plus the layover.
Which airline flies direct to Chania? In summer 2026 only Bluebird, with a daily route. Out of season there is no direct flight.
Should I fly to Heraklion and drive to Chania? If there is no direct Chania flight on your dates, yes. The drive is about two and a half hours, and it is sometimes cheaper and quicker than a stop in Athens.
