Information compiled by David Enrich, aviation and airport guide expert since 1999.
Heraklion Airport Terminal
Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” is the main gateway to Crete and the second busiest airport in Greece. Discover terminal layout information, facilities, lounges, airport services, statistics, passenger tips, and future expansion plans.
Airport Code
HER / LGIR
Main Terminal
Single passenger terminal with domestic and international areas.
Annual Traffic
More than 9 million passengers in 2024.
Main Challenge
Heavy congestion during summer tourism season.
About the Terminal
Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” serves as the primary air gateway to the island of Crete and is one of the busiest airports in the Mediterranean during the summer season.
The airport currently operates through a single terminal building divided into domestic, Schengen, and non-Schengen passenger areas. Although functional and strategically located close to Heraklion city center, the airport faces significant congestion challenges during peak tourism months.
Despite infrastructure limitations, the terminal continues to offer essential passenger services including restaurants, duty-free shopping, lounges, baggage services, Wi-Fi, currency exchange, and assistance facilities.
Terminal Layout
Domestic Areas
- Eastern section used mainly for domestic arrivals.
- Central departures hall for domestic flights.
- Connections to Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, and other Greek destinations.
Schengen Departures
- Dedicated Intra-Schengen departure areas.
- Most European seasonal flights depart from here.
- Busy during summer tourism months.
Non-Schengen Area
- Separate Extra-Schengen departure section.
- Additional passport control procedures.
- Duty Free and waiting areas available.
Facilities & Passenger Services
Duty Free Shops
- More than 2,100 sqm of shopping space.
- Perfumes, cosmetics, sweets, alcohol, jewelry, and gifts.
- Available before passport control.
- Last Minute Duty Free area for non-Schengen passengers.
Food & Beverage
- Restaurants and snack bars throughout the terminal.
- EVEREST cafés and FLOCAFE locations available.
- Greek snacks, coffee, drinks, and takeaway meals.
- Busy during peak departure hours.
Baggage Services
- Baggage storage facilities available.
- Luggage wrapping service in departures area.
- Lost & Found handled by Goldair, Skyserv, and Swissport.
- Online baggage claim support available.
Special Passenger Services
- VIP Lounge with 24-hour operation.
- Baby room facilities available.
- Airport medical station operating 24/7.
- Reduced mobility assistance services.
Financial Services
- ATMs available across terminal areas.
- Currency exchange before and after passport control.
- VAT refund processing for international travelers.
- Tax refund offices near Duty Free area.
Other Amenities
- Free Wi-Fi in selected terminal areas.
- Information desk operating 24/7.
- Bookshop, gift stores, and local Cretan products.
- Post office, pharmacy, smoking areas, and meeting points.
Airport Lounges
| Lounge | Opening Hours | Main Services | Smoking Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filoxenia Lounge | 07:00 - 22:00 | Snacks, Wi-Fi, drinks, TV, newspapers | Non-smoking |
| Goldair Handling Lounge | 07:00 - 23:00 | Snacks, alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, TV | Non-smoking |
Airport Information & Statistics
Airport Opening
First aircraft landed in summer 1939.
Passengers 2024
One of the busiest airports in Greece.
Airlines
Domestic and international carriers operating from HER.
Operations
Airport operates continuously throughout the year.
Popular Routes & Airlines
Popular Domestic Flights
- Heraklion → Athens
- Heraklion → Thessaloniki
- Heraklion → Rhodes
Popular International Flights
- London
- Amsterdam
- Prague
- Paris
- Reykjavik
Main Airlines
- Aegean Airlines
- easyJet
- Ryanair
- TUI Airways
- Corendon Airlines
Future Airport: Kastelli
Due to increasing passenger demand and congestion at the current airport, a completely new airport is under construction at Kastelli, around 40 km from Heraklion.
The future airport will feature a significantly larger terminal, improved road infrastructure, expanded passenger capacity, and modern airport facilities designed to improve the overall travel experience across Crete.
| Future Kastelli Airport Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Terminal Levels | 5 levels |
| Total Surface Area | 72,000 sqm |
| Passenger Capacity | 5-10 million passengers annually |
| Main Goal | Reduce congestion and modernize airport infrastructure |