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 4.1 million passengers in 2025. It is also one of the largest regional airports in Greece, with several international flights, mainly to and from Europe. According to the 2025 traffic statistics, the United Kingdom remains Chania Airport’s largest international market, followed closely by Germany, Denmark, Poland, and a consistently strong flow of travellers from Scandinavian countries.
Table of Contents
About Chania airport
Chania Airport has a modern two-story terminal building with all necessary facilities such as restaurants, cafeterias, Hellenic duty-free shops, currency exchange, baggage carts, a dedicated lost and found office, baby care areas, first aid, ATMs, car rental desks, on-site airport parking (with short and long-stay options), tourist offices, and internet access (WiFi).
Chania KTEL buses, taxis, minibuses, and car rental services connect the airport efficiently to the rest of Crete. You can also travel to Rethymno and Heraklion by taxi, bus, or rent a car. Following the 2016 terminal expansion and interior renovations, 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 baggage claim.
The first floor features a passenger control area, a commercial area, and a departure lounge, all of which are easily accessible by elevator or escalator.
The departure lounge is quite large and divided into two sections. The first section has 10 exit gates for flights within Schengen, while the second section has 6 gates for flights to destinations outside Schengen.
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 affordable flights to Thessaloniki, as well as cheap international flights year-round to and from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Malta, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
Chania 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 status? Click here to see live departures from Chania Airport today.Arrivals
Chania International Airport Arrivals
Waiting for a friend or family member to land? Click here to check live arrivals at Chania Airport today.
Tips for smooth departures
To ensure a smooth departure experience from Chania Airport, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Arrive early: Please arrive at the airport at least 1.5 hours before your scheduled flight time. Arriving early gives you enough time to pass airport security and reach your boarding gate without stress. Please note that security screening alone can take over 30 minutes during the busy summer season.
- Pack wisely. When packing your luggage, follow airline regulations, including weight and size restrictions.
- Follow Chania Airport liquid rules: Ensure you comply with international safety regulations by placing all liquids, aerosols, or gels in containers under 100ml in a transparent, resealable plastic bag. Prohibited items or sharp edges exceeding 6cm must be packed in your checked luggage.
- Watch the departure board: Check the departure board for updates on your flight status. Please note that the airport displays all updates on screens, as it does not make audible flight announcements.
Accessible Travel Info
Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility who require assistance to reach the airport must request it 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 airline’s check-in desk or to the signage to inform ground assistance providers of their arrival.
Lost and found
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.
Seasonal Traffic Trends & Peak Months
Passenger numbers vary significantly throughout the year, reflecting the seasonal nature of Cretan tourism. The airport experiences its peak season in July and August, handling around 730,000 to 750,000 passengers per month. June and September are busy shoulder months, with over 610,000 travellers each, while traffic drops significantly during the winter period (November to March), when domestic flights dominate the terminal.
Chania International Airport FAQ
What is the airport code for Chania Crete?
The IATA code for Chania Airport is CHQ, and the ICAO code is LGSA. You will see the CHQ airport code printed on your luggage tags and flight tickets.
Does Chania Airport have a smoking area?
Unfortunately, there is no designated smoking area or outdoor terraces near the departure gates inside Chania Airport after security. The airport authorities strictly prohibit smoking in all enclosed spaces. If you wish to smoke, you may do so only outside the terminal building before checking in or passing through security screening.
Does Chania Airport have a VIP Lounge or Priority Pass access?
No, Chania International Airport (CHQ) does not currently have a public executive or VIP lounge, and Priority Pass is not accepted anywhere inside the terminal. If you are looking for a quieter space or premium services, you can only arrange private VIP Meet & Greet or fast-track services through independent local aviation agencies ahead of your flight.
Why is the airport blurred on Google Maps?
Google Maps blurs Chania International Airport for military security reasons, as the area hosts both the Hellenic Air Force and the US military bases. 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.
Is there a taxi outside the airport?
Yes, taxis are always available outside the terminal, even if your flight arrives at midnight or early in the morning. The standard fare to Chania city centre is around 28€.
Is there free internet at Chania Airport?
Yes, the airport offers free Wi-Fi with no time limits and fast connection speeds, allowing you to browse, stream, or check your emails without any restrictions.
Is there drinking water available?
Yes, there is. Right after security, you’ll find a free water fountain and refill station where you can refill your water bottle. Please note that the tap water in the restrooms is not safe to drink.
Can I charge my electronic device?
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. Please note 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.
