Flights from Tel Aviv to Crete: Heraklion and Chania
Who flies nonstop from Tel Aviv to Heraklion and Chania, how long the flight takes, when routes operate and what to do in winter. Checked on 4 October 2026.
- El Al, Israir, Arkia, Bluebird and Aegean fly nonstop to Heraklion. Flight time: about 1h55.
- Only Bluebird flies nonstop to Chania, on a summer route launched in May 2026. No flights in October.
- In October 2026 there are still about 21 nonstop flights a week to Heraklion. Winter frequencies drop.
Flying to Crete? Heraklion is the safe bet with the most nonstop flights. Chania has a nonstop only in summer.
In short
- Crete has two international airports: Heraklion (HER) in the centre of the island and Chania (CHQ) in the west.
- Five airlines fly nonstop from Tel Aviv to Heraklion, according to the schedules shown on FlightConnections (updated 2 October 2026): El Al, Israir, Arkia, Bluebird and Aegean.
- Only Bluebird flies nonstop to Chania, on a summer route launched on 21 May 2026. In October 2026 no nonstop Chania flights appear in the schedule.
- Flight time to either airport: about 1 hour 55 minutes.
- Fares from Tel Aviv to Crete update every morning on Yavanet's flights page.
Heraklion or Chania: quick comparison
| Heraklion (HER) | Chania (CHQ) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Crete's capital, north-central coast | Akrotiri peninsula, near Chania town in the west |
| Nonstop from Tel Aviv | El Al, Israir, Arkia, Bluebird, Aegean | Bluebird only |
| Average flight time | about 1h55 | about 1h55 |
| Season | Mostly summer, but about 21 flights a week still in October 2026 | Summer route, launched May 2026 |
| Best for | Heraklion, Knossos, Hersonissos, Agios Nikolaos and the east | Chania, Rethymno and the west |
Crete is a big island. Land at the airport closest to where you are staying so you don't lose half a day on the road. Our Crete guide by region will help you choose.
Which airlines fly nonstop to Crete
To Heraklion:
- El Al, Israir and Arkia: appear in current schedules on the Tel Aviv–Heraklion route. Wikipedia marks Arkia's route as seasonal.
- Bluebird Airways: Heraklion is one of its bases. According to Poenta, in summer 2026 it charged €19 for a cabin bag (up to 8 kg) and €42 for a checked bag (up to 20 kg), so check what your fare includes.
- Aegean: the Greek airline sells flights on the route, and Wikipedia lists it as seasonal.
- Wizz Air: listed on Wikipedia as a seasonal Tel Aviv route, but we did not find it in current schedules. If it matters to you, check the airline's website directly.
To Chania:
- Bluebird is the only airline flying nonstop from Tel Aviv to Chania, according to FlightConnections. The route launched on 21 May 2026 as a summer route and has no flights in October 2026. No 2027 restart date has been published yet.
From Haifa: airHaifa runs seasonal flights from Haifa to Heraklion. According to FlightConnections the flight takes about 2 hours 20 minutes, as the airline uses smaller aircraft.
When there are flights to Crete
- Most routes to Crete are seasonal, running mainly from spring to autumn.
- In October 2026 there are still about 21 nonstop flights a week from Tel Aviv to Heraklion, according to FlightConnections.
- In winter frequencies drop and some airlines stop. For a winter trip check each airline's website, or fly via Athens.
- Heraklion airport is due to be replaced by a new airport at Kastelli. According to Wikipedia, the new airport is due to open by 2027.
No nonstop flight on your dates
- Via Athens: there are daily nonstop flights from Tel Aviv to Athens, then a domestic flight to Heraklion or Chania. Flight time to Athens and who flies.
- Overnight ferry from Piraeus: to Heraklion from 7 hours 50 minutes to about 12 hours, and to Souda port near Chania 7 to 9.5 hours, according to Ferryhopper. Everything about ferries in Greece.
- Flights with a stop: search engines sometimes show cheap fares with a stop in Europe. Watch the total journey time.
How much is a flight to Crete
Fares change daily. For example, on 2 October 2026 we found an El Al nonstop to Heraklion for €151 return, for 18–22 October. Current fares for every Greek destination are on the flights page, updated every morning.
Before you fly
- Strikes: Greece sees occasional aviation strikes. For example, the civil aviation authority workers' union called a 24-hour strike on 9 October 2026. Check the strike calendar or check a date.
- Weather: in autumn and winter Crete sometimes gets storms and warnings. Weather warnings in Greece.
- Car: in Crete you almost always need one. Car rental in Greece guide.
- Insurance: what to check in travel insurance for Greece.
- More on the island: Crete destination page and Etz Hayyim synagogue in Chania.
FAQ
Is there a direct flight from Tel Aviv to Crete?
Yes. El Al, Israir, Arkia, Bluebird and Aegean fly nonstop to Heraklion. Only Bluebird flies nonstop to Chania, on a summer route.
How long is the flight from Tel Aviv to Crete?
About 1 hour 55 minutes to either Heraklion or Chania, based on average flight times on FlightConnections.
Is there a direct flight to Chania?
Yes, but only in summer. Bluebird launched the route on 21 May 2026, and it has no flights in October 2026. The rest of the year, fly to Heraklion or via Athens.
Are there flights to Crete in winter?
Most routes are seasonal and winter frequencies are lower. In October 2026 there are still about 21 nonstop flights a week to Heraklion. For winter dates check the airline's website, or fly to Athens and take a domestic flight.
Can I fly to Crete from Haifa?
Yes. airHaifa runs seasonal flights from Haifa to Heraklion. The flight is longer, about 2 hours 20 minutes.
Should I fly to Heraklion or Chania?
It depends where you are staying. For the centre and east of the island, including Hersonissos and Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion is better. For Chania and the west, Chania is better if there is a flight on your dates.
How much is a flight to Crete?
Fares change every day. On 2 October 2026 we found a nonstop to Heraklion for €151 return. Current fares are on Yavanet's flights page.
Airlines and frequencies checked on 4 October 2026 using FlightConnections, Wikipedia and airline announcements. Seasonal routes open and close, so check the airline's website before you book.
