Chania International Airport “Ioannis Daskalogiannis” (IATA: CHQ, ICAO: LGSA) is a joint civil–military airport located on the Akrotiri Peninsula near Souda Bay, about 14 km from the city of Chania on the island of Crete. It serves as the main gateway to western Crete, particularly for tourists, and is one of the busiest regional airports in Greece. The airport is named after Ioannis Daskalogiannis, an 18th‑century Cretan rebel against Ottoman rule.
Chania Airport’s civil aviation history began at Maleme Airport, which served the region until 1959. Maleme was originally built by the British Military before World War II and later became the main public airport of Chania. The current airport location on the Akrotiri Peninsula has since developed into the primary airport for western Crete, combining modern facilities with strategic military importance due to its proximity to Souda Bay.
Passenger traffic at Chania International has grown significantly in recent years. In 2023, the airport handled 3,648,416 passengers, and by October 2024, the total number of passengers had reached 3,803,170, reflecting continued year-over-year growth. The airport connects western Crete to approximately 30 countries in Europe and Asia, especially during the summer season, while maintaining year-round domestic flights to destinations in Greece and Cyprus.
The airport’s current runway, 11/29, is 3,348 m (10,982 ft) long and 45 m (148 ft) wide and has an asphalt surface. It can accommodate a wide range of aircraft, from small propeller planes to large airliners. Chania International operates 24 hours during the summer season and from 06:30 to 22:30 in the winter. The terminal area covers approximately 36,196 m² and includes facilities for passengers, parking, and aircraft handling.
Today, Chania International plays a critical role in both tourism and regional connectivity. The airport continues to expand and modernize under Fraport Greece, supporting year-round domestic and international travel, and handling increasing passenger volumes each year, with expectations to surpass 4 million passengers by the end of 2024.
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