The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Chios airport set for four-month closure amid strong local opposition
Four-month suspension of runway operations at Chios State Airport "Homer" aims to complete works by 28 February 2027 and boost flight safety.
The State Airport of Chios “Homer” will suspend operations from the evening of Sunday 15 November 2026 through 15 March 2027 to allow runway extension and overall upgrade works, according to the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA).
The project includes extending the runway to the north and improving the airport’s operational infrastructure to address the airport’s limited runway length and winter weather conditions, while protecting air links for the 2027 tourist season.
Under the revised schedule, the second and third phases of construction are planned to be completed in four months (by 28 February 2027), shortening the initial five-month window. The HCAA emphasizes the aim to minimize the closure period.
During the shutdown, emergency flights may operate using helicopters with direct access to the airport apron for air ambulance missions, search and rescue, firefighting, humanitarian and state operations, among others. The airport remains operational during the initial phase, with turboprop flights continuing to operate on a reduced runway length.
The upgraded runway will total 1,799 metres after completion, extending northward to enhance safety and enable larger aircraft, with expected benefits for Chios’s air connections and local economy. The HCAA urges passengers and airlines to plan around the planned closure between 15 November 2026 and 15 March 2027.
Local opposition and protests have arisen, with groups warning of actions such as business shutdowns to press for keeping the airport open during holidays and seeking a meeting with the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport. They argue the timetable should not shift from the original plan and emphasize the airport’s importance for health access and social needs.