Crete is about to change how millions of visitors arrive. For decades, Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis Airport has served as the island's main gateway, but its location inside the city, short runway, and seasonal overcrowding have limited growth. The answer is Kastelli International Airport, a brand-new greenfield airport built 39 kilometers southeast of Heraklion near the village of Kastelli. Designed to handle up to 18 million passengers, it will become the second largest airport in Greece and the new hub for international flights to Crete.
If you are planning a trip for 2028 and beyond, understanding this new gateway is essential. From its modern terminal to the new A90 highway that will connect it to Heraklion in under 40 minutes, everything about travel in Crete is being upgraded. And if you are arriving here, your first decision will be transport. The best option remains a car rental at Kastelli Airport booked in advance, giving you freedom from the moment you land.
Why Does Crete Need a New Airport?
Heraklion Airport handled over 8 million passengers in 2019 in a facility designed for far less. Noise complaints from residents under the flight path, a single 2,700m runway that cannot take fully loaded long-haul aircraft, and apron congestion made expansion impossible. The Hellenic government decided in 2017 to build a completely new airport on a plateau inland, away from the city.
Kastelli was chosen for its flat terrain, low fog frequency, and space for a 3.2km runway. The project is one of the largest infrastructure investments in Greece, with a budget exceeding €500 million, and includes not only the airport but 40km of new highway connections. For travelers, this means less circling over Heraklion, safer approaches, and a terminal built for the 21st century rather than adapted from the 1970s.
Where is the New Kastelli Airport Located?
The new airport is located near Kastelli village, in the municipality of Minoa Pediada, 39km southeast of Heraklion city center, 12km from the village itself. The coordinates place it on a high plateau at 360m altitude, which improves visibility and reduces crosswinds compared to the coastal Heraklion airport.
From the airport, you reach Heraklion port in 35-40 minutes via the new A90 connection, Agios Nikolaos in 60 minutes, and Rethymno in 90 minutes. If you plan to rent a car at Kastelli Airport, you will exit directly onto the new 6-lane highway without passing through village roads. For a detailed driving breakdown, see our guide on Kastelli Airport to Heraklion distance and transport.
Key Facts: Kastelli International Airport at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Terminal Size | 72,000 m² - 5x larger than Heraklion |
| Runway | 3.2km long, 45m wide, CAT II ILS |
| Gates / Jet Bridges | 19 contact gates + 10 remote stands |
| Capacity | 10 million Phase 1, up to 18 million Phase 2 |
| Progress (2026) | ~70% complete, terminal roof sealed |
| Test Flights | Scheduled Q2 2027 |
| Official Opening | Early 2028 - IATA: LGTL |
Pro Tip: The airport is 39km inland, not on the beach. Do not expect to walk to a hotel. Pre-booking your Kastelli Airport car rental is the only way to avoid €70-90 taxi surcharges on arrival day.
Construction Timeline: From 2020 to 2028
- 2020-2021: Earthworks - 23 million m³ of rock moved to create plateau
- 2022-2023: Runway and control tower foundations completed
- 2024: Terminal steel structure erected, 72,000m² roof installed
- 2025-2026: Interiors, baggage systems, and new A90 highway link (currently 70%)
- Q2 2027: First test flights and ORAT trials
- Early 2028: Grand opening and transfer of all commercial flights from HER to LGTL
The project has survived delays but is now past the point of no return. The terminal you see in renders is already built. You can read more about passenger experience in Top Reasons Travelers Will Love Kastelli International Airport.
Inside the New Terminal: What to Expect
The terminal is designed as a single-level flow for arrivals and mezzanine departures, with Cretan stone and wood accents. There will be 28 check-in counters, 8 security lanes, and a large duty-free area with local products. Unlike Heraklion, there will be proper air conditioning, 19 air bridges so you won't be bussed in summer heat, and 2,000 parking spaces in P1-P5 lots.
The P5 lot is key for drivers: this is where Comfy cars at Kastelli Airport will be parked, just a 2-minute covered walk from arrivals. No shuttle bus, no waiting in the sun.
How to Get From Kastelli Airport to Your Destination
There will be four main options:
- Rental Car: The most popular for Crete. 35-40 min to Heraklion, direct highway access. Book your car rental at Kastelli Airport for instant pickup.
- Taxi: Estimated €70-90 to Heraklion, €150+ to Chania, metered and scarce in high season.
- KTEL Bus: Planned shuttle to Heraklion bus station, ~60 min with stops.
- Private Transfer: €90-120 to Heraklion, must be pre-booked.
For first-time drivers, see our detailed distance and driving guide and our car rental at Kastelli Airport tips.
Car Rental at Kastelli Airport: Why Book Early
Because the airport is outside the city, public transport will be limited at first. Rental demand will be extremely high in 2028. Smart travelers are already booking Comfy cars at Kastelli Airport with free cancellation. You get full insurance included (critical for Crete's mountain and dirt roads), no credit card hold, and a 3-minute pickup in P5. Check all options on our main Kastelli Airport car rental page.
Check Prices for Kastelli Airport →
FAQ: New Kastelli Airport
When will Kastelli Airport open?
Test flights are planned for mid-2027 and official commercial opening is scheduled for February 2028. Heraklion Airport will close to commercial traffic once Kastelli opens. How far is Kastelli Airport from Heraklion?
39 kilometers southeast, about 35-40 minutes via the new A90 6-lane highway. It's further than the old airport (5km) but much faster to exit. Will there be car rental at Kastelli Airport?
Yes, in the P5 lot, 2-minute walk from arrivals. Comfy will have a dedicated fast lane. We recommend to book your rental car for Kastelli Airport early for 2028. Is Kastelli Airport bigger than Heraklion?
Yes, 72,000m² vs 13,000m², with 19 gates vs 5, and capacity for 10-18M passengers vs 8M cramped maximum. Do I need a car from Kastelli Airport?
Strongly yes. The airport is inland and most beaches, gorges and villages need a car. A rental car is cheaper than 2 taxi rides.
Continue Reading - Internal Links
- Main Offer: Car Rental at Kastelli Airport - Best Prices with Comfy - Full insurance, no credit card, free cancellation
- Kastelli Airport to Heraklion: Distance, Driving & Transport Guide
- Car Rental at Kastelli Airport: What Travelers Need to Know
- Kastelli Airport vs Heraklion Airport: What Changes
- Comfy Rent a Car Crete - Homepage
- Top Reasons Travelers Will Love Kastelli Airport
