Crete Chania Airport: a Glance at the Second Busiest Airport in Crete
Although Heraklion Airport is the main Crete Airport -and the second most active airport in Greece- Chania International Airport is also an important air hub. Located on the island’s northwest side, CHQ Airport serves visitors who want to visit the scenic city of Chania and the western Crete regions. Chania Airport also goes by the name CHQ Airport (after its IATA Code), while its official title is Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport. Hence, the airport took its name as a tribute to one of the major Cretan fighters, who played a leading role during the rebellion against the Ottomans in the 19th century.
There are several written variations of the word “Chania”. Thus, it is often written as Hania or Xania, but all terms refer to the same city.
The second busiest Crete International Airport lies on the peninsula of Akrotiri, near Souda Bay. Thus, it is to be found northeast of the city of Chania, within a 14km/8.7-mile distance (a 20-minute ride) from its city center. What’s more, it is situated 15km/9.3 miles from Souda Port.
The first airport that served Chania was the Airport of Maleme. However, in 1959, it was relocated to the area of Souda, evolving over time into the airport now known as Chania Airport. Nowadays, it is the second most occupied Crete Airport and the fifth busiest Greek air hub. Verily, although its passenger flow was considerably influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport still welcomed 1.795.236 passengers in 2021, while in 2022, it even exceeded its pre-pandemic numbers, serving 3.290.802 passengers. Furthermore, the airport also functions as a significant cargo aviation center and a military hub.
Chania International Airport was one of the 14 Greek airports acquired by Fraport AG. Thus, in 2015, a major renovation plan was put into action, including the expansion of the duty-free area and the security control zone, the addition of new parking facilities and hand-baggage scanners, as well as the incorporation of new boarding gates (10 in total). Overall, the airport was utterly rearranged to optimize its passengers’ traveling experience.
Airport Name: Chania International Airport “Daskalogiannis”
IATA Code: CHQ
ICAO: LGSA
Location: Chania, Greece
Time Zone: Eastern European Summer Time (UTC+3)
Airport Map: Chania Airport at Google Maps
Chania International Airport’s Airlines
Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport -the second busiest Crete International Airport- houses several air carriers. Verily, both international and domestic airlines fly from and to CHQ Airport. Thus, it is a focus city for Aegean Airlines and Ryanair. That being said, it can be regarded as a seasonal airport. Indeed, during the winter season, it mostly handles flights to and from Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as Cyprus. Conversely, during the tourist season (from April to October), it handles various charter flights, originating or heading to several European destinations.
The CHQ Terminal
Chania International Airport is a single-terminal aviation hub. Thus, it features only one terminal building, which serves both Arrivals and Departures, regardless of the flights’ origin or destination. Hence, international and domestic flights share the same terminal, which spreads over one floor. The majority of the airport’s drinking and shopping options are located on its upper level.
Parking Facilities
Only one parking facility is to be found in Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport, serving the short-term and long-stay parking needs of CHQ passengers. The car park lies close to the terminal building and operates around the clock, while its prices are considered reasonable. In fact, the first 20 minutes are out of charge. In any case, cash and card payments are equally accepted.
Transit Options
CHQ Airport is well-connected to the city of Chania as well as to other Crete regions. Thus, passengers traveling from Chania Airport to Chania town can choose among:
- A taxi ride
- A bus journey
- An airport car rental
- A private airport transfer
Services and Amenities
Chania Airport is a small aviation hub. Featuring only one terminal building, it still guarantees a pleasant traveling experience, providing CHQ passengers with all the necessary services and amenities. In detail, at CHQ Airport, you’ll find:
- A few retail stores
- Bars and eateries
- A Duty-free area
- Baggage carts
- Baggage wrapping
- Meet & Greet services
- First aid
- ATMs / Currency exchange areas
- Nursing rooms
- Lost & Found
- Wi-Fi
- Information kiosks
- Special services for passengers with reduced mobility
Contact Info
Official Name: Chania International Airport “Daskalogiannis”
Address: National Road Aerodromiou-Soudas, Chania Airport, Chania 731 00
Phone Number: (0030) 2821 083800
The City of Chania
The beautiful city of Crete, Chania, is a majestic blend of cultures and traditions. Truly, the seaside town houses various landmarks and attractions while featuring an impressive Old Town where history seems to coexist with modern eateries and scenic taverns. However, apart from its day things to do, Chania also rests “awake” during the night. In fact, it is known for its vivid nightlife. What’s more, it lies close to exciting Cretan destinations, such as Samaria Gorge, and world-famous beaches, such as Balos and Elafonissi. All in all, Chania is a city that can capture any traveler’s heart, no matter the personal interest and preferences, lavishly offering cultural sightseeing, scenic landscapes, culinary delights, and, above all, the renowned Cretan hospitality.
FAQs
Where is Chania Airport?
Chania International Airport is located on the Akrotiri peninsula in Souda Bay. It lies 14km/8.7 miles from the city of Chania. Thus, a car ride from Chania Airport to Chania town usually lasts just 20 minutes.
Does Crete have 2 airports?
There are three aviation hubs serving the island of Crete (Heraklion Airport, Chania Airport, and Sitia Airport). Nevertheless, the two busiest are Heraklion Airport and Chania Airport. Verily, HER Airport is the primary Crete Airport and the second busiest Greek air hub, while CHQ Airport is the fifth busiest airport in Greece.
Is Chania an international airport?
Yes. CHQ Airport is an international aviation hub. Verily, Chania International Airport handles flights from and to domestic and international destinations. That being said, the vast majority of international flights originate from or are bound for European destinations.
Is Chania a busy airport?
Yes. Chania International Airport is the second busiest Crete Airport. As a matter of fact, in 2022, it welcomed 3.290.802 passengers, becoming the fifth most occupied airport in Greece.
Is Chania Airport bigger than Heraklion?
Although they are both international airports -serving both domestic and international destinations- Heraklion Airport is the primary Crete Airport and the second busiest air hub in the country. Thus, Chania Airport is a major gateway to the island of Crete, yet it isn’t the main or the busiest.
How many terminals does Chania Airport have?
Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport has only one terminal building. Thus, Arrivals and Departures lie at the same terminal, spread over one floor, right next to each other. The CHQ terminal is small. Still, it features all the necessary facilities and offers all the anticipated services.
How early should I be at Chania Airport?
Chania Airport is a small aviation hub. In any case, it is always recommended to be at the airport at least two hours before your upcoming flight if your destination is domestic and three hours before the departure of your flight if you are flying to an international destination.
How do I get from Chania Airport to Chania town?
Depending on your preferences and -of course- your budget, you’ll find several transit options from Chania Airport to Chania town. Thus, you can opt for an airport taxi, book a private airport transfer, or rent a car at CHQ Airport. Alternatively, a bus ride would be the most affordable choice.