Chania Airport Departures (CHQ)

Flight Departures at Chania Airport

Chania Airport is one of the main international airports on the island of Crete, which is the largest of the Greek islands, and a very popular destination for those who enjoy water-related activities, or interesting historical attractions. Chania Airport is the second largest airport on the island, while Heraklion Airport is the largest, handling approximately seven million passengers per year. The airport of Chania is located about fourteen kilometers from the city, and on the Akrotiri peninsula, nearby Souda Bay. Passengers departing from this airport will find a reasonable amount of facilities available, as well as a choice of various airline companies.

Chania Airport is also well known as the Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport, after a heroic Cretan rebel who fought against the Ottoman rule in the 18th century, and has the official airport code of HER. Buses and taxis provide access to the airport, or passengers are able to drive their own vehicles or vehicles rented from any of the many car rental companies at Chania Airport, as there are adequate parking facilities on the airport site. The buses in Crete are operated by the KTEL bus company, and are available locally in all the towns and cities. They also provide longer distance journeys that connect all the main areas of Crete, as well as smaller locations along the way. Passengers arriving in Chania at the bus terminal can then catch a local bus for transport to their departure flight from Chania Airport. The buses only provide about three services to the airport each day, therefore it is recommended to consult their latest timetable.

Passengers who are unable to catch the bus will need to take a taxi to the airport. Taxis can be hailed from just about anywhere in the city, off the street, or called to come and collect your from your location. Taxi fares in Greece are considered to be very reasonable, and will provide a quicker journey to the airport. There are no train services on the island of Crete. Passengers departing from Chania Airport with their own vehicles will use the main road of the Chanion Aerodromiou to travel, and the trip from Chania will take about 25 minutes. From other coastal towns in the region, the National Highway listed as the E75 connects all the areas along the northern coast of Crete. Long term and short term parking is available at Chania Airport, and both are paid parking lots.

Chania Airport, although only handling around three million passengers per year, is served by a number of airline carriers. To Athens, the companies of Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air provide year-round flights, as well as to the destinations of Thessaloniki and Larnaca. The majority of the airline carriers at Chania Airport provide seasonal flights to various destinations, during the warmer summer months of the island. Some of these are low-cost airlines, such as Air Berlin, Thomson Airways and Easyjet, with flights to London-Gatwick, Berlin-Tegel and Manchester. Ryanair is also present at this airport, and is often referred to as the world's favourite low-cost airline carriers. Ryanair offers seasonal flights to Milan-Orio al Serio and Hahn. The companies of Finnair, Iberworld, Novair, Travel Service Airlines and Cimber Sterling also offer a number of charter flights from Chania Airport.

Chania Airport consists of a single terminal building, with a number of useful facilities. Although perhaps not as fancy as some larger airports in Europe, departing passengers should find all that they require within the airport’s building. There are a couple of cafés and restaurants, a duty free shop, newsagent and gift shop, and banking and currency exchange services. Cash machines are available, as well as a post office, first aid center and baby changing facilities. Disabled passengers will find Chania Airport to be accessible, as it provides suitable toilet facilities, pavement ramps and reserved parking areas for their convenience.

Passengers should arrive, on average, about an hour before a domestic departure from Chania Airport, and about two hours before an international flight. However, all airline companies check-in requirements are different, and since the airport is quite small, the average times can even be slightly reduced. If in doubt, passengers should consult their airline company for further details. Keep in mind that the airport is busy over summer, and therefore checking in and passing through security may take longer than usual. Passengers should ensure that all their baggage is clearly marked, with their name, surname and address, and that their luggage is sufficiently closed, or locked. Always remember to never carry any item on board an aircraft for someone you don't know, and never accept anything from a stranger in the air terminal. Abandoned luggage items or any other suspicious looking object should be reported immediately to airport security.

The new regulations surrounding the amounts of liquids carried on board an aircraft are applicable to airports in Greece, and to Chania Airport. Departing passengers must separate their various liquid substances into separate containers of not more than 100 ml each, and have a total liquid quantity of not more than a liter. The containers should be placed in a clear and transparent re-sealable plastic bag, and given to the security officers for their inspection. The new liquid regulations do not apply to hold luggage, or to baby foods, special dietary requirements and medicines needed for the duration of the flight.

Chania Airport is a wonderful facility at which to arrive for a memorable holiday, or from where to depart for a safe and comfortable flight to your home or next destination. Further information is available from the information desk in the terminal of the airport.