Chios Airport Runway Extension Project
Chios Island National Airport “Omiros” will suspend all commercial flight operations from the evening of Sunday, November 15, 2026, according to Travelers Today. The closure leaves the Greek Aegean island without scheduled air service for four months until March 15, 2027.
The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority ordered the temporary shutdown to accommodate runway extension works. The current runway measures 1,511 meters, which restricts the airport to smaller regional aircraft and limits operations during adverse weather conditions. The construction project adds 288 meters, bringing the final length to 1,799 meters.
Kostas Moundros, president of the Chios Tourism Board, said that the modernization will allow the island to expand its connectivity. Local officials view the infrastructure upgrade as a necessary step toward attracting direct European summer charter services.
Airlines offer free rebooking or full refunds
Passengers holding confirmed tickets with Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, or Sky Express can rebook their journeys for free or receive full refunds. Travelers received more than 14 days of advance notice regarding the service suspension, meaning cash compensation under European Union rules does not apply. Affected customers are still entitled to free rebooking on comparable alternative flights or full refunds under EU Regulation 261/2004.
Travelers facing denied refunds or rebooking assistance must submit a written request directly to their airline. If the carrier fails to resolve the issue, passengers can file a formal complaint with the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority.
Alternative Winter Travel Routes
Visitors needing to reach the island during the winter closure must rely on maritime transport or indirect routing. Blue Star Ferries operates regular winter sailings from the port of Piraeus, while Hellenic Seaways runs services on select weekdays. Travelers can also fly from Athens to Mytilene Airport on neighboring Lesbos, then take an inter-island ferry across the Aegean Sea.
The crossing from Lesbos takes roughly two hours and fifteen minutes with one-way fares starting around €14, though winter weather frequently disrupts sailings. Visitors arriving from Turkey can utilize the Çeşme to Chios ferry service, which takes approximately 30 minutes and costs about €40 one-way for passengers carrying valid passports.
Chios Winter Travel Questions
When does Chios Airport close for runway construction?
Commercial flight operations at Chios Island National Airport stop on the evening of November 15, 2026, and remain suspended until March 15, 2027.
What airlines are affected by the airport shutdown?
Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, and Sky Express operate scheduled flights to the airport and must provide free rebooking or full refunds to ticket holders.
How long will the new runway be after construction?
The runway extension adds 288 meters to the existing 1,511-meter strip, expanding the total usable length to 1,799 meters.
Are airlines required to pay cash compensation to passengers?
Airlines do not owe the standard €250 cash compensation because travelers received more than 14 days of advance notice before the suspension began.
What is the alternative sea route from the mainland?
Travelers can board Blue Star Ferries or Hellenic Seaways vessels running from the port of Piraeus to Chios during the winter season.