The Greek island of Chios is about to lose its only air link for a full four months. Chios Island National Airport, also known as Omiros or Homer Airport, will suspend all regular flights from the evening of November 15, 2026, until March 15, 2027. The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) says the closure is necessary for a major runway expansion and infrastructure upgrade.
The project will extend the runway to 1,799 meters, allowing larger aircraft to land and take off. That should improve flight safety and open the door to more air connections ahead of the 2027 tourist season. But for now, the island is bracing for a long stretch without scheduled air service.
The closure runs from November 15, 2026 to March 15, 2027, which means no regular flights during the Christmas and New Year holidays. That timing has sparked outrage among local officials and business owners, who call it "economic strangulation." The original plan reportedly had the airport closing on January 15, which would have allowed holiday travel to proceed as usual.
Pantelis Legatos, president of the Chios Chamber of Commerce, warns the earlier shutdown will hit the island hard. Many residents have already booked family visits, medical appointments, and trips to Athens during the festive period. Chios depends heavily on its air link to the capital, especially for healthcare access. With the airport closed, the only way on or off the island will be by ferry, a much longer and less reliable option.
Deputy governor Pantelis Vroulis has proposed a compromise: let the airport operate through the holidays, even if construction starts in November, and finish the work before Easter. The HCAA, however, insists the full closure is essential for safety and to ensure the upgrades are completed on time. The revised schedule actually shortens the construction window from five months to four, with the contractor aiming to finish by February 28, 2027.
During the closure, emergency helicopter operations will continue. That includes medical evacuations, search-and-rescue missions, firefighting, humanitarian flights, and government travel. Helicopters will be allowed to land and take off from the airport's parking apron, so the island won't be completely cut off in an emergency.
Chios, Greece's fifth-largest island, sits in the northern Aegean Sea, close to the Turkish coast. Its airport typically handles domestic routes to Athens and Thessaloniki, flown by Aegean Airlines, SKY express, and Olympic Air. Travelers planning to visit between November and March will need to look at ferry options instead. The journey from Athens to Chios by sea takes several hours, but it's a scenic way to arrive.
This isn't the first time airport upgrades have caused travel headaches. Lisbon Airport taxis finally got fixed fares after years of overcharging, and Brussels Airport faced five-hour lines during a similar period of disruption. The key is to plan ahead and stay flexible.
For those who do make it to Chios during the closure, the island's famous mastic villages, medieval castles, and beautiful beaches remain open. The airport will reopen just in time for the 2027 tourist season, with a longer runway and better facilities. The upgrade is expected to boost tourism and economic growth, but locals are paying the price this winter.
If you're thinking of visiting Chios between November and March, book ferry tickets early and consider staying longer to make the journey worthwhile. Ferry services are the only alternative during the closure, and they can fill up fast around the holidays. The island's charm is worth the extra effort, but you'll need to adjust your plans.
