The Small But Efficient Heraklion Airport Terminal Facility
Lying right next to the sea, Heraklion International Airport is known for its magical views. Truly, planes landing at the airport seem like falling into the water. Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER) opened its doors in 1939. Nevertheless, the airport’s complex still looked like a rural area in those days. In 1971, a new terminal building was added to the existing airport’s facilities, trying to make the airport keep pace with the times. Furthermore, in 2017, the terminal building was renovated. At that time, the duty-free area was enlarged, six new eateries were added at Departures, and two dining facilities at the check-in zone. Moreover, more gates were made available, raising the total number of HER gates to 11. Overall, the HER terminal building was expanded by 2900 square meters (31.215 square feet).
Nowadays, Heraklion International Airport still consists of that one terminal building, which houses both the Arrivals and the Departures. The terminal is spread over one floor. On its east side, Domestic Arrivals are to be found, while adjacent to them lies the Domestic Departures hall. Two more halls form the Departures area of Heraklion Airport. Thus, the Departures hall for non-Schengen flights is to be found in the central area of the terminal, and the Departures hall for flights to Schengen destinations occupies the terminal’s western part.
In general terms, HER Airport features all the anticipated services from an international air hub. Still, it provides just that. Hence, you won’t find any exaggerations here. In any case, HER passengers can benefit from the following services:
- One restaurant and a few snack bars
- A few cafes
- Some retail stores and a duty-free area
- Free Wifi
- Charging points
- ATMs / Currency exchange area
- Baby room (baby care facility)
- Health check station
- Lost & Found services
- Post office
- Two lounges
- Car rental desks
- Tourist Information Desk
- Travel agencies (their kiosks are to be found outside the terminal)
- Services for passengers with disabilities
Even though HER terminal building is regarded as a modern facility, it tends to get crowded during the summer months. Verily, during that season, waiting lines can be long and time-consuming, and the overall experience can be tedious. That’s most probably one of the reasons why a brand new airport is expected to replace Heraklion International Airport by 2027. The new airport will be located in the Kasteli area, 39km/24 miles away from Heraklion, and is expected to be the second largest Greek airport (following El. Venizelos Airport). Kasteli International Airport will be a fully modernized and eco-friendly aviation hub. As a result, its terminal will fully meet its passengers’ needs (regardless of the season of the year) and will guarantee a seamless traveling experience.
FAQs
How many terminals does Heraklion Airport have?
Heraklion International Airport is a small aviation hub which has only one terminal building. Thus, Departures and Arrivals are located in the same building at Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, lying adjacent to each other.
Is Crete Airport big?
Despite having its terminal expanded in 2017, Heraklion Airport remains a small air hub. As a matter of fact, it consists of one terminal building and one runway. Still, it is the second busiest country’s airport.
How early should you get to Heraklion Airport?
Even though it is a small airport, Nikos Kazantzakis Airport often gets crowded, especially during the summer months. Thus, it is recommended to be at the airport two hours before your domestic flight and three hours prior to the scheduled departing time if your flight is international.
Can I sleep in Heraklion Airport?
Heraklion Airport doesn’t house a hotel inside its premises, nor does it offer designated sleeping areas. You can always use the airport’s seating to relax. Still, the airport can be noisy, and lighting can make it difficult to fall asleep.