Kastelli International Airport is a proposed new international airport to be built on the Island of Crete, Greece. It is a new airport under construction in Heraklion, Crete, and is intended to replace the existing civil/military facility at Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis Airport. The new airport will have a 3800m runway and intends to be operational in 2027.
Kastelli International Airport is being built by Ariadne Airport Group, a consortium of Greek firm Gek Terna and Indian company GMR Airports.
The New International Airport of Heraklion, Crete will be the second busiest airport in Greece, as an operational continuity of the existing State Airport of Heraklion “Nikos Kazantzakis”.
It is going to serve 10,000,000 passengers at the start, while during the concession period it is expected to exceed 18,000,000. It is a “green airport” with its own production and management of energy, while responding to the need to address climate change, emphasis will be placed on reducing the CO2 footprint. Another feature is the implementation of the highest criteria in the provision of Services, according to the specifications of internationally recognized organizations in the industry (ACI ASQ, IATA Optimum Level). The New Airport is intended to have a harmonious relationship with the local community and to promote it. For this reason, continuous actions in support of the local community and promoting the local cultural heritage are already taking place, while providing the visitor with a sense of the place and its unique characteristics. At the same time, as a modern infrastructure, the latest technology and innovative applications will be at the forefront, along with reaching strategic commercial agreements.
The International Airport is going to include a Commercial Zone accessible from the urban fabric, properly integrated in the wider residential and spatial development of the area of 700 acres. Regarding the access to the Airport, the first major connection of North and South Crete is achieved with the longitudinal axis that connect Hersonissos with Southern Crete, 25 km long, while upon the completion of the construction of the North Road Axis of Crete (BOAK) it is estimated the Airport to be accessible from Heraklion in less than 25 minutes.
The start of the commercial operation is going to take place in 2027 and there will be 19 boarding gates, 8 of which will be of combined use for Schengen and Non-Schengen flights.
The Terminal is going to have an area of 94,000 sqm on the operation start date and it consists of 8 levels. Throughout the stay of passengers at the Terminal there is going to be biometric and automated control procedures, as well as facilities for entertainment, leisure, catering, prayer, baby and mother support, creating a unique sense of travel experience. Also, the Airport is going to have:
– 33 remote positions Power in – Power out ICAO Code C with Fuel Hydrant system, 10 PBB for Code C Aircraft
– 6 MARS push back parking positions for ICAO Code E class aircrafts equipped with Fuel Hydrant, Power Supply 400 Hz and PreConditioned Air
– 3 Helicopters parking positions
– New runway for landing/take off, 3.200 m long, ICAO 4E class for civil and military aircrafts with double interconnection (taxilink) of the new Runway for landing/take off with the existing military runway of the 133 Battle Squadron
– General Aviation/VIP Terminal and apron of 16 aircraft positions capacity
– De-icing & Aircraft Washing Installation
– Fuel Tanks, Biological Treatment, Waste Management Installations
– MRO Aircraft Maintenance Hangar Infrastructure
– Terminal Commercial areas of 13.000 sqm
– Bus Terminal Station and other Public Transportation Means
– Storage areas and Airport offices areas over 6.000 sqm
