Chios airport to close for four months for runway expansion
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Runway works at Chios Omiros Airport will suspend fixed‑wing operations from 15 November 2026 until 15 March 2027, with emergency helicopter flights remaining.
Closure period and schedule
The airport will be closed from the evening of Sunday, 15 November 2026, to 15 March 2027, extending the originally planned two‑month shutdown to four months.
Reason and work details
The suspension allows contractors to complete a major runway expansion and infrastructure upgrades, extending the runway northward to a new length of 1,799 metres.
Greek aviation authorities said the next stage of construction cannot be safely completed while regular fixed‑wing aircraft continue using the runway.
Emergency operations
During the shutdown, only emergency helicopter operations such as medical evacuations, search‑and‑rescue, firefighting, humanitarian flights and certain government services will remain possible.
Local reaction
The Municipal Council of Chios issued a unanimous resolution protesting the four‑month closure and demanding an immediate reconsideration.
Residents and officials warned that reduced ferry services in winter could affect supply and citizen mobility, and called for a gathering in Vounakios Square on Tuesday.