If you are planning a trip to Crete, you may be wondering how big Heraklion Airport is and whether it is a large airport that requires significant time to navigate.
Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER) is relatively compact compared with Europe’s largest airport hubs, but it handles a substantial volume of passenger traffic. The current airport has approximately 21,000 square metres of facilities, one passenger terminal, one cargo terminal and 25 aircraft parking positions. It is located approximately 5 kilometres from Heraklion city centre.
Despite its relatively compact size, Heraklion Airport can become very busy during Crete’s peak summer travel season. This makes passenger traffic, rather than physical size alone, an important factor when planning how much time to allow at the airport.
How Big Is Heraklion Airport in Square Metres?
The existing Heraklion Airport has approximately 21,000 square metres of facilities, according to the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority. The airport’s current facilities include:
- One passenger terminal
- One cargo terminal
- 25 aircraft parking positions
- A firefighting station
- Approximately 21,000 square metres of facilities
- 24-hour airport operations
The 21,000-square-metre figure refers to the airport’s facilities rather than the total land area occupied by the entire airport site.
For passengers, one of the most useful facts is that the current airport has one passenger terminal. Travellers therefore do not need to navigate between several separate passenger terminals. For a more detailed explanation of the terminal arrangement, read our guide to Heraklion Airport terminals.
Is Heraklion Airport a Large Airport?
Heraklion Airport is best described as a busy international airport with a relatively compact passenger facility.
It is much smaller physically than major international hubs such as London Heathrow, Frankfurt or Paris Charles de Gaulle. The world’s largest airports can cover enormous areas and contain multiple terminals, runways and extensive transport infrastructure.
Heraklion has a simpler physical layout, but its passenger numbers are significant because Crete is one of the Mediterranean’s most popular tourist destinations. Therefore, if you are asking whether Heraklion Airport is “big,” the answer depends on what you mean:
Physical size: Relatively compact
Passenger traffic: Very busy
Terminal arrangement: One passenger terminal
Importance to Crete: Major international gateway
Summer activity: Particularly high
How Many Passengers Does Heraklion Airport Handle?
Heraklion Airport handles millions of passengers every year. The airport recorded 9,361,328 passengers in 2024, demonstrating the significant amount of traffic handled by a comparatively compact facility. Passenger traffic increased further in 2025. By the end of October 2025, Heraklion Airport had already handled 9,595,298 passengers, exceeding its total passenger figure for the whole of 2024.
This is why the airport can feel much busier than its physical size might suggest. When comparing airports, passenger traffic can sometimes be more useful than the size of the buildings themselves.
How Busy Is Heraklion Airport During Summer?
Summer is the busiest period for Heraklion Airport because Crete attracts large numbers of international holidaymakers. In July 2025, the airport handled 1,693,791 passengers, according to Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority statistics.
June 2025 was also exceptionally busy, with 1,396,137 passengers passing through the airport. These figures explain why travellers should not assume that a relatively small airport will always be quick to navigate. During peak periods, passengers may encounter longer queues at:
- Airline check-in desks
- Baggage drop
- Security screening
- Passport control where applicable
- Boarding areas
- Baggage reclaim
If you are travelling during the summer, it is therefore sensible to allow sufficient time even though Heraklion has only one passenger terminal. For broader preparation advice, see our guide to airport travel tips.
How Far Is Heraklion Airport From the City Centre?
The existing Heraklion Airport is approximately 5 kilometres from Heraklion city centre. This relatively short distance is convenient for passengers staying in Heraklion or travelling to the city after landing.
The airport’s location also means that its overall travel convenience is not determined solely by the size of its facilities. Its proximity to the city makes it an important transport gateway for both residents and visitors.
How Many Aircraft Can Heraklion Airport Accommodate?
The current airport has 25 aircraft parking positions, according to the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority. These positions support the airport’s domestic and international operations.
The figure also provides another indication of the airport’s scale. Heraklion is not designed like a huge global hub with a vast number of aircraft stands, but it handles substantial seasonal demand from airlines serving Crete.
Does Heraklion Airport Have VIP Services?
Travellers who want additional assistance at the airport can arrange Heraklion Airport VIP services. Depending on the service booked and current airport arrangements, VIP assistance can provide personalised support with applicable airport procedures and help passengers navigate their journey more efficiently.
For travellers interested in understanding premium airport assistance more generally, our guide explains what airport VIP service includes. VIP services do not change the airport’s physical size or override security requirements, but they can make the airport experience more organised for eligible passengers.
Is a New and Larger Heraklion Airport Being Built?
Yes. The existing Heraklion Airport is expected to eventually be replaced by a new international airport being developed at Kastelli. The new airport is a separate facility rather than an expansion of the existing passenger terminal.
According to the project’s official information, the new airport’s planned main terminal will cover approximately 93,000 square metres and is designed to accommodate more than 15 million passengers annually. This means the planned Kastelli airport will be substantially larger than the current Heraklion Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
The existing Heraklion Airport has approximately 21,000 square metres of facilities.
The current airport has one passenger terminal.
The airport can become particularly busy during the summer tourist season. In July 2025 alone, it handled approximately 1.69 million passengers.
Yes. A new international airport is being developed at Kastelli to replace the existing Heraklion Airport.
Conclusion
Heraklion Airport is relatively compact compared with Europe’s largest airport hubs, but it handles millions of passengers every year. The current airport has approximately 21,000 square metres of facilities, one passenger terminal, one cargo terminal and 25 aircraft parking positions. Its location, around 5 kilometres from Heraklion city centre, makes it convenient for travellers visiting Crete. Despite its compact size, the airport can become very busy during the summer tourist season, so passengers should allow enough time for check-in, security and boarding.