If you are flying to or from Crete, you may be wondering how many terminals Heraklion Airport has and whether you need to find a specific terminal for your flight. Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER) currently has one passenger terminal. The airport’s passenger operations are handled through this single terminal, so travellers do not need to choose between multiple passenger terminals when planning their journey.
How Many Terminals Does Heraklion Airport Have?
Heraklion International Airport currently has one passenger terminal. The airport, commonly identified by its airport code HER, is the main airport serving Heraklion and an important gateway to Crete. The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority lists one passenger terminal for the existing airport.
This means that passengers arriving at or departing from Heraklion Airport do not need to determine whether their flight uses Terminal 1, Terminal 2 or another separate passenger terminal. Instead, passengers use the airport’s single passenger terminal and follow the relevant signs and procedures for their flight.
Does Heraklion Airport Have Terminal 1?
Heraklion Airport does not operate as a multi-terminal airport where passengers need to choose between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The current airport has one passenger terminal, so references to the Heraklion Airport terminal generally refer to the main passenger terminal serving the airport.
This makes the basic layout relatively straightforward for passengers, particularly those visiting Crete for the first time. However, having a single terminal does not mean every passenger follows the same route. Check-in, security, passport control and boarding procedures can vary depending on the flight and destination.
Does Heraklion Airport Have Separate Domestic and International Terminals?
No. Heraklion Airport does not have separate passenger terminals dedicated exclusively to domestic and international flights. Domestic and international passenger operations are handled through the airport’s single passenger terminal.
The procedures passengers complete can still differ according to their destination. International passengers may need to complete additional passport or border-control procedures, depending on where they are travelling. Therefore, travellers should follow the airport signs and instructions provided for their specific flight rather than looking for a separate domestic or international terminal.
Where Are Arrivals and Departures at Heraklion Airport?
Both arriving and departing passengers use the existing passenger terminal at Heraklion Airport. For departures, passengers may need to complete check-in, baggage drop, security screening and other applicable procedures before proceeding to the boarding area.
For arrivals, passengers follow the appropriate arrival procedures, which may include passport control, baggage collection and customs depending on their flight. The airport can become particularly busy during the summer travel season when passenger numbers increase. Understanding the airport layout before travelling can therefore make the experience easier.
Travellers can also review these airport travel tips for practical advice on preparing documents, arriving on time and navigating common airport procedures.
Is Heraklion Airport Easy to Navigate?
Having one passenger terminal means passengers do not need to travel between multiple terminal buildings for their flight. However, the number of terminals is only one factor affecting how easy an airport is to navigate.
Passenger numbers, check-in queues, security screening, passport control and airline procedures can all affect how long it takes to move through the airport. During busy travel periods, allowing additional time is sensible even though Heraklion Airport has only one passenger terminal.
If you want to minimise the stress associated with airport queues and procedures, an airport meet and greet service can provide personalised assistance through the airport process.
How Early Should You Arrive at Heraklion Airport?
The appropriate arrival time depends on your airline, destination, baggage requirements and the current passenger volume at the airport. For international travel, allowing several hours before departure is generally advisable, particularly during busy travel periods. Passengers should also check their airline’s specific check-in and baggage-drop deadlines.
If you are unsure about airport timing, our guide on how early you should get to the airport explains the main factors that can affect how much time you need. Arriving early gives you more time to complete check-in, security and other airport formalities without unnecessary pressure.
Does Heraklion Airport Have VIP Services?
Yes. Travellers can arrange premium assistance at Heraklion Airport.
Heraklion Airport VIP services from Platinum Aviation include assistance designed to make the airport experience more convenient, with services such as fast-track assistance, airport concierge support and meet-and-greet options, subject to availability and airport procedures.
These services can be particularly useful for passengers who want additional assistance navigating the airport or who prefer a more organised arrival or departure experience.
Is Heraklion Airport Being Replaced?
Yes. This is an important point when researching Heraklion Airport terminals. The existing Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” is planned to eventually be replaced by a new international airport at Kastelli.
The new airport is being developed as a major new gateway for Crete. According to the project’s official information, its planned main terminal will cover approximately 93,000 square metres and is designed to accommodate more than 15 million passengers annually.
The new airport project should not be confused with the existing Heraklion Airport. For travellers using HER today, the relevant airport remains the existing Heraklion International Airport and its current single passenger terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heraklion Airport currently has one passenger terminal.
No. The current airport does not have a second passenger terminal. Passenger operations are handled through the single existing passenger terminal.
No. The existing Heraklion Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” is the airport currently serving passengers. The new airport at Kastelli is a separate project intended to replace the existing airport.
Conclusion
Passengers using the existing HER airport do not need to choose between multiple numbered passenger terminals. Domestic and international passenger operations are handled through the same passenger terminal, although individual airport procedures can vary depending on the flight and destination.
The key distinction is between the current Heraklion Airport and the new airport being developed at Kastelli. The latter is a separate airport project intended to replace the existing facility in the future.