The key facts

  • Chios "Homer" Airport will be closed from November 15, 2026, to March 15, 2027, due to runway extension to 1,799 meters.
  • The contractor promises to accelerate works and finish by February 28, 2027; emergency helicopter flights will continue.
  • Local organizations protest the November 15 closure instead of January 15 and demand a meeting with the minister.

Airport Closure for Four Months

The state-owned Chios "Homer" Airport will temporarily suspend operations from the evening of Sunday, November 15, 2026, until March 15, 2027, as announced by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA). According to the authority, the suspension is necessary to safely carry out works to extend the runway to the north and generally improve the airport's operational infrastructure. Planning took into account the limited runway length, winter weather conditions, and the need to ensure uninterrupted air connectivity for the island during the 2027 tourist season.

Tight Deadlines and Emergency Flights

Under the updated schedule, the second and third phases of work are to be completed in four months instead of the five originally planned. The contractor has committed to making every effort to finish the works by February 28, 2027; the HCAA states it aims to minimize the runway closure period. A NOTAM has been issued to allow all stakeholders to adjust their plans. Emergency flights—including medical aviation, search and rescue operations, firefighting, humanitarian, and state missions—will be conducted using helicopters landing on the apron. Currently, the airport remains operational: the first phase of works is underway, and flights are served by turboprop aircraft with a limited number of passengers due to the temporary reduction in available runway length.

Modernization Goal

Upon completion of the works, the runway length will reach 1,799 meters. This is expected to enhance flight safety and allow the airport to accommodate larger aircraft types, which is anticipated to strengthen Chios's air connectivity and benefit both passengers and the local economy. The HCAA urges passengers, airlines, and stakeholders to account for the operational suspension when planning travel between November 15, 2026, and March 15, 2027.

Protests and Demands from Local Authorities

Local organizations in Chios warn of protest actions, including possible shop closures to preserve airport operations during the holiday period, and request a meeting with the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport to clarify the work schedule and avoid last-minute changes. They oppose the airport closure on November 15 instead of January 15, which they claim was initially agreed upon, calling such a move a blow to the island's economic and social life. Panteleimon (Pantelis) Legatos, President of the Chios Chamber of Commerce, warned of the consequences of interrupting air connectivity, especially during the holiday season when many residents have already planned trips, family visits, and medical appointments. He emphasized that the island's proximity—approximately five nautical miles from the Turkish coast—makes air links with Athens particularly vital for access to healthcare and for personal and social needs of residents.

Doubts on Timelines and the Mayor's Stance

Kostas Moutsouris, Governor of the North Aegean Islands, who participated in a teleconference from Mytilene, expressed doubts about whether the airport will resume operations before Easter 2027. At the same time, he stressed the necessity of meaningful infrastructure modernization and stated he would participate in decision-making procedures. Chios Mayor Yiannis Malafis demanded that the airport remain operational during Christmas, New Year, and Easter, and insisted that any decisions regarding the project be made in consultation with local authorities and the island's community. The work schedule remains at the center of disputes: island representatives are seeking clear answers regarding the duration of the closure and its impact on residents' daily lives and the local economy.