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Fraport Chania International Airport
Chania International Airport, “Ioannis Laskalogiannis Airport“ (IATA: CHQ, ICAO: LGSA), is located on the Akrotiri peninsula of Crete and is about 14 kilometres from Chania. Depending on traffic, it will take about 20 to 30 minutes to get from the city centre.
The authorities named the airport after Ioannis Daskalogiannis, the Cretan revolutionary who led the uprising against the Ottoman Empire in Sfakia, Crete, from 1770 to 1771.
It is the second-largest airport on the island, serving over 3 million passengers every year. It is also one of the largest regional airports in Greece, with several international flights, mainly from all over Europe.
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Why is the airport blurred on Google Maps?
Google blurs parts of Chania International Airport on its maps because the Greek and American military use the area. The Hellenic Air Force operates across the street from the airport, while the American military base sits directly beside it. For security reasons, authorities strictly forbid photography and filming in and around the airport.
How early should I be at Chania Airport?
We recommend arriving at least 1.5 hours before your flight for domestic and Schengen-area destinations. For non-Schengen flights, it’s best to be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance to allow enough time for passport control and security procedures, especially during the busy summer season.
Does Chania Airport have a smoking area?
Unfortunately, there is no designated smoking area inside the airport. The airport authorities strictly prohibit smoking in all enclosed spaces. If you wish to smoke, you may do so only outside the terminal building and before entering the airport, not during boarding or disembarkation on the tarmac.
Is there a taxi outside the airport?
Yes, taxis are always available outside the terminal – even if your flight arrives at midnight or early morning. The standard fare to Chania city centre is around 23€.
Is there free internet at Chania Airport?
Yes, the airport offers free Wi-Fi with no time limits and fast connection speeds so that you can browse, stream, or check your emails without any restrictions.
Is there a luggage storage facility at Chania internationa Airport?
No, there are no luggage storage services available at the airport.
Is there drinking water available at Chania Airport?
Yes, there is. Just after the security check, you’ll find a water station where you can refill your bottle. Please note that the tap water in the restrooms is unsafe for drinking.
Can I charge my electronic device at Chania Airport?
Yes, you can. The airport provides charging stations, and you’ll also find a few power outlets in the waiting areas where you can plug in your device.
Is there an ATM for cash withdrawal?
You’ll find an ATM inside the airport operated by Euronet, where you can withdraw cash. Just remember that Euronet ATMS may charge higher fees than local bank ATMS.
Is Chania International Airport open at midnight?
Yes, during the summer season (April to October), the airport operates 24 hours a day. There are no scheduled flights around midnight in the off-season, so activity is limited. Please note that restaurants, cafés, and shops inside the terminal may be closed during late-night hours, even in summer. However, vending machines with snacks and drinks are available 24/7.
Is there a rest area at the airport or a hotel nearby?
There is no hotel inside or directly next to the airport. However, you’ll find a few Airbnb rooms, villas, and a nearby hostel within a short drive or taxi ride from the terminal. If you need to rest between flights, booking in advance is best, especially during the summer.
Chania International Airport FAQ
Information
Chania International Airport has a modern two-story terminal building with all necessary facilities such as restaurants, cafeterias, Hellenic duty-free shops, currency exchange, baggage carts, lost property, baby care and breastfeeding areas, first aid, ATMs, car rental, parking with payment of a fee, tourist offices, and internet access (WiFi).
It is well connected to the rest of the island of Crete by bus, taxi, minibus, and car rental services. You can also go by taxi or bus or rent a car to Rethymno and Heraklion.
Following the completion of the terminal expansion and some interior renovations in 2016, Fraport Greece purchased Chania International Airport in 2017.
Note that delays in aircraft arrivals and departures are frequent, especially during summer, and tend to increase later in the afternoon.
About the terminal
As we mentioned, the Chania International Airport has two significant stories. The ground floor covers 14,650 square metres, including the airline’s check-in and baggage drop-off points, tourist offices, arrivals, and a baggage claim area.
The first floor has a passenger control area, a commercial area, and a departure lounge, and it is easily accessible by elevator or escalator.
The departure lounge is quite large and divided into two sections. The first section has ten exit gates for flights inside Sengen, while the second section has six gates for flights to destinations outside Sengen.
Flights - timetables
Suppose you plan to explore more of Greece by air. In that case, you can easily book domestic flights from Chania to Athens with Aegean Airlines (including Olympic Air), Ryanair, or Sky Express, or head to Thessaloniki with Aegean, Sky Express, or Ryanair. And starting in summer 2025, Aegean has added a brand-new seasonal route connecting Chania and Rhodes — perfect for island-hopping!
There are several international flights from and to Europe and Israel in the summer.
Ryanair is also based in Chania and offers cheap flight tickets to Thessaloniki, Cyprus, and affordable international flights all year round from and to Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Malta, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
Contact numbers
Chania International Airport contact numbers
- phone +302821083800
- Baggage lost and found Ellinair, Aegean, Olympic Air +30 2821066065
- Ryanair telephone: +30 2111998219 Mon – Fri 09:00-22:00 CET, Sat 09:00-19:00 CET and Sun 10:00-19:00 CET
- Lost & Found +30 2821440124
- Aegean & Olympic Air ticket office: +30 2821063366
- Fax +30 2821066100
- feedback www.chq-airport.gr/en/chq/feedback
- Official airport site www.chq-airport.gr/en
Departures
Chania International Airport Departures
Want to check your flight? Click here to see live departures from Chania Airport.
Αrrivals
Chania International Airport Αrrivals
Waiting for someone to land? Click here to see live Αrrivals at Chania Airport.
Tips for smooth departures from Chania Airport
To ensure a smooth departure experience from Chania Airport, here are some tips to keep in mind:
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- Arrive early: Get to the airport at least 1.5 hours before your flight. Arriving early gives you enough time to pass airport security and reach your boarding gate without stress. Remember that security screening alone can take over 30 minutes during the busy summer.
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- Pack wisely. When packing your luggage, follow airline regulations, including weight and size restrictions.
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- Follow the safety regulations: Ensure you follow safety regulations, such as removing any liquids, aerosols (sprays), or gels in containers over 100 ml and any prohibited items with sharp edges over 6cm.
- Watch the departure board: Check the departure board for updates on your flight status. No flight announcements are made at the airport.
Information for People with Disabilities - Reduced Mobility
Disabled passengers and passengers with reduced mobility who need assistance to get to the airport must request in good time by contacting the airline or travel agent at least 48 hours before the flight’s scheduled departure time.
Suppose a person with a disability or reduced mobility arrives at the airport. In that case, they should go to the check-in of the airline they are travelling with or to the signage to inform ground assistance providers of their arrival.
Lost and found
Lost and found at Chania International Airport
Suppose you lose something inside the terminal or elsewhere at the airport. In that case, Deliverback can help you locate it—fill out a dedicated form and provide a detailed description of the item.
Alternatively, you can contact the Police directly using the details below: +30 2821063072, ataerolimenachanion@astynomia.gr.
Airline companies
The airlines that have a connection to Chania Airport are: Aegean Airlines, AirExplore, AirSeven, Austrian Airlines, Blue Air, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Buzz, Condor, Easyjet, Edelweiss Air, Enter Air, Eurowings, Finnair, jet2.com, jettime A/S, Lufthansa, Neos, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Olympic Air, Ryanair, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Sky Express, SmartLynx Airlines, Smartwings A.S., Smartwings, Sunclass Airlines, Sundair, Tarom, Trade Air, Transavia, TUI Airways, TUI Fly, Tus Airways, και Wiss Air.
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Sadi Br.
3 weeks agoChania Airport is clean, efficient, and easy to get through. Staff is friendly, and services like car rentals and cafés are conveniently located. However, I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5 because there are no jet bridges to the airplanes—you have to walk across the tarmac and use stairs, which isn’t ideal in bad weather or for those with limited mobility. Still, a good regional airport overall.
Luke L'sk
3 weeks agoTypical airport, need better signage and support on access. Was quite unclear of direction, where to go, how to access the city, after exiting the airport. It was even unclear how to get to baggage claim after getting off the plane as the arrow on the floor is so small and narrow while the hanging signs aren't clear and frequently appear. Could hardly tell the difference between charter bus and public bus, and they are located at the area with minimal directions and guidance. That would create congestion to clear people flow during high season.
Jens Meckel
7 months agoChania Airport is small and easy to navigate, offering a pleasant atmosphere. We passed through security quickly in the morning with no waiting time. The staff were friendly, and the cleanliness of the airport was impressive. Everything is well-signposted, making it easy to find your way around. The Duty-Free section is compact but well-stocked. Overall, it was a smooth and satisfying experience for our return flight!
Raphy Joy
a week agoChania airport was so strange to me at first but then I left it like a second home to me in the city Ive been there for 4 months during my Erasmus+ and flew several times there ( super good security check, little dury free stores, restaurants, best charging plugs, and good check-in service with Aegean Airlines ) ❤️ I remembered Greek are so nice and kind, yeah I met a guy in the airport, we’ve talked a lot and yeah hope this finds him back again 5 months ago. It’s been so fast since I left the city last time and overall I love Chania and this airport.
En Rico
a week agoWe've been travelling to and from Chania airport several times now. I've even been travelling to/from it in the 1990s and know how it has been and how it is nowadays. Earlier it was a real catastrophy. Now it is a beautiful - even if small - airport, clean, clear, and with helpful staff everywhere. Due to having a child we now often travel in the main season in summer and even then waiting times are OK. One star less for the waiting area for boarding - it is a little bit too small with kind of few seats, but we never had to stand or sit on the floor. Everything is just fine there. Lots of car rentals within the airport or nearby. We'll love to use this airport again, when travelling to western Crete again.