CHANIA AIRPORT (CHQ) INFORMATION

Chania International Airport is located fourteen kilometers from the popular city of Chania, on the largest of the Greek islands known as Crete. This airport is the second largest on the island, although it is not really considered as a particularly large airport, when compared to many others in Europe. It is currently handling around 3 million passengers per year, while its counterpart, Heraklion, handles just over 7 million passengers per year. The airport of Chania is an important gateway to Western Crete, and its nearby city is the center of commerce and culture for the region. Another common name is the Ioannis Daskalogiannis, which is a name in honour of a Cretan rebel, who fought against the Ottoman rule in the eighteenth century.

Chania is nearby Souda Bay, on the Akrotiri peninsula of the island, which partially surrounds the bay. It can also be referred to as the Souda peninsula. The main road leading from the city of Chania is the Chanion Aerodromiou, and it provides direct access to the terminal building. The drive is approximately twenty minutes depending on traffic conditions. Drivers with a satellite navigation system can use the coordinates of 35°31′54.29″N 24°08′58.84″E in order to locate the airport. The official codes allocated are CHQ, as the IATA code, and LGSA is listed as the ICAO identification. The postal address is Chania International Airport, I. Daskalogiannis, 73100, Chania Crete, Greece.

An information desk is located within the terminal building for passengers who require further assistance with airport services, or passengers can call at +30 28210 83800 for further enquiries. There is also a fax number, which is listed as +30 28210 66100.

The airport is at its busiest during the summer months of Crete, when many local visitors and international tourists flock to the island to enjoy the sea, sun and wide variety of historical attractions present in many of the cities and towns in the area. Chania, also known as Hania or Khania, is itself often referred to as the most beautiful city in Greece, and most certainly one of the prettiest in the Mediterranean. For this reason, it is the ideal starting point for those wishing to explore the island. In terms of business it is regarded as important, and therefore the airport sees a number of corporate clients as well. Many of the main airline companies present at Chania Airport only offer seasonal flights to various destinations, but those with year-round flights include Aegean Airlines, Belle Air, Blue Air and Olympic Air. Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air are the most popular airline carriers for domestic flights to Athens, the capital city of Greece found on the mainland.

Certain low-cost airline carriers offer seasonal flights to and from the airport. Ryanair, commonly referred to as the world's favourite low-cost airline company, flies to Hahn and Milano-Orio al Serio, and Thomson Airways and Easyjet serve destinations in the United Kingdom, such as London Gatwick and Manchester. Other popular airline companies include Luxair, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Smart Wings, Air Berlin, Air Finland, Austrian Airlines, Transavia and Condor, with flights to the destinations of Helsinki, Stockholm-Arlanda, Frankfurt, Vienna, Amsterdam, Berlin-Tegel and Gothenburg-Landvetter. The airport is also served by several charter flight operators, which include Finnair, Cimber Sterling, Iberworld and Travel Service Airlines.

Chania International Airport dates back to the mid-1950's when it was first constructed. Back then it was known as the Maleme, as it was located in this area, and was only used for domestic flights. The location of Maleme is approximately 17 km to the west of Chania. In 1959, the airport was relocated to its current position, on the Souda peninsula, which was also the military airfield. By 1967, Chania had received its first air terminal, and was equipped with two aircraft stands. The tourism industry in Chania began to strengthen thereafter, and there was a greater demand for air transport to Crete. For this reason it was transformed into an international airport in 1974, and a new terminal building was built to handle the increase in passengers in 1996, with six aircraft stands. The new terminal had a total surface area of 14,650 square meters. It was once again expanded after the year 2000, and the new improvements were completed by 2005. 2005 was also the year that it was given the official name of Ioannis Daskalogiannis.

Although not as busy as Heraklion Airport, it can have up 2,500 people per day during the months of July and August, and up to 1,000 people per day during quieter periods. The single terminal building is reasonably equipped with the essential requirements for arriving and departing passengers. The facilities include twelve check-in desks and five gates for departing passengers, and three baggage reclaim carousels for arriving passengers. A duty-free shop, post office, bank, Bureau de Change, first aid facilities, baby room and a VIP lounge are all useful facilities for passengers with flights, while arriving passengers will find a tourist help desk, car rental desks from a variety of car hire companies, a travel agency and a few public transport options from the arrivals area. The airport also provides adequate facilities for disabled passengers.

Hotels near Chania Airport

There are a number of hotels to suit all budgets and requirements at or near Chania Airport.

Parking at Chania Airport

See options for parking services at Chania Airport.

Additional Services and Amenities at Chania Airport

At Chania Airport you will find the usual array of bars and restaurants, airport lounges and shops.

• See all bars and restaurants inside Chania Airport
• See and book airport lounges at Chania Airport
• Plan your shopping in advance - see all the shops (including duty-free) at Chania Airport

Things to do in Chania City

There are a number of activities to suit all ages and interests in the region - see a selection of tourist activities in Chania, Greece.