The sole airport on the Greek island of Chios, Omiros airport, is scheduled to close temporarily for four months, from 15 November 2026 until 15 March 2027. This closure is intended to allow for the extension and upgrading of the runway.
The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) stated that these improvements aim to ensure smooth air connectivity for the 2027 tourist season and to lessen the impact of winter weather. Once completed, the runway will be 1,799m long to accommodate larger aircraft.
During the works, emergency flights, including medical evacuations and search and rescue operations, will be able to operate via helicopter. The airport primarily handles domestic flights to and from Athens and Thessaloniki.
Island authorities have voiced strong objections, describing the airport closure as "economic strangulation" for Chios. Pantelis Legatos, President of the Chios chamber of commerce, said the early closure would significantly affect the island's economy and society, particularly during the Christmas and New Year holiday season.