Heraklion International Airport (officially Nikos Kazantzakis Airport) is the busiest airport in Crete and one of the most important aviation hubs in Greece. It serves as the main entry point for travelers heading to Heraklion city, central Crete, and many popular beach resorts along the northern coast.
For most visitors, this airport is the very first and last contact point with the island. Understanding how it works, where it is located, and what to expect helps reduce stress and plan travel days more accurately.
Where Heraklion Airport Is Located
The airport is located approximately 5 kilometers east of Heraklion city center, directly along the northern coastline. Because of this proximity, transfer times to the city are short, often under 15 minutes outside peak traffic hours.
At the same time, the airport’s location creates natural limitations. The runway is squeezed between the sea and urban areas, which restricts expansion and affects traffic flow, especially during the high season.
Official Name and Airport Codes
The full official name is Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport, named after one of Greece’s most famous writers, born in Heraklion. The airport’s IATA code is HER, which appears on tickets, luggage tags, boarding passes, and flight schedules.
This is the only airport serving Heraklion city directly until the new Kastelli airport becomes operational in the future.
Passenger Volume and Seasonal Pressure
Heraklion Airport handles millions of passengers each year, with extreme seasonality. From May to October, passenger numbers increase dramatically due to charter and leisure flights from across Europe.
During winter, traffic drops sharply and consists mainly of domestic flights and a small number of international routes. This contrast has a direct impact on waiting times, staffing levels, and overall passenger experience.
Terminal Structure and Layout
The airport operates from a compact terminal complex rather than multiple large terminals. Domestic and international flights share the same facilities, with designated areas for arrivals, departures, and passport control.
Because the terminal was not designed for modern passenger volumes, space can feel limited. Seating areas, corridors, and waiting zones may become crowded during peak departure waves.
Arrivals Process
Arriving passengers typically move through passport control (for non-Schengen flights), baggage claim, and customs in a relatively straightforward sequence. Distances inside the terminal are short, which helps keep arrival times manageable.
During peak summer hours, baggage delivery may take longer due to the high number of simultaneous arrivals.
Departures Process
Departures often require more patience than arrivals. Check-in queues and security lines can become long, particularly in summer mornings and evenings when many flights are scheduled close together.
Travelers are strongly advised to arrive earlier than usual during high season to avoid unnecessary stress.
Airlines and Flight Types
The airport serves a mix of scheduled airlines and charter operators. Domestic flights connect Heraklion with Athens and Thessaloniki year-round, providing essential links to mainland Greece.
International flights expand significantly during tourist season, including low-cost carriers, national airlines, and tour-operator charters from dozens of European cities.
Overall Airport Experience
Heraklion Airport is best described as functional rather than comfortable. Facilities are adequate, but space constraints limit relaxation areas and walking room.
The airport prioritizes throughput and efficiency, especially during summer weekends when large volumes of passengers must be processed in short time windows.
Why This Airport Matters for Your Trip
Because almost all travel to and from central Crete passes through this airport, its limitations and rhythms affect transfers, accommodation check-in times, and even daily planning.
This overview provides the foundation for more detailed topics such as arrivals, departures, transport options, parking, and practical airport tips.
To plan your arrival or departure in detail, continue with the full Heraklion Airport Guide cluster.
