Chios airport to close for four months, sparking island-wide protests
Chios airport will close for four months from November 15 until March 15, 2027, disrupting air links between the eastern Aegean island and mainland Greece, prompting strong reactions from residents, local authorities and businesses.
The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the closure through aviation notice B1561/26, issued on Thursday. Only rescue, firefighting and medical helicopter flights will be exempt from the suspension.
The decision has triggered anger on the island, with residents and local officials demanding its reversal and criticising the lack of prior official notification, consultation or consideration of alternative arrangements.
Municipality calls for general strike
The Chios municipal council held an emergency meeting on Wednesday evening attended by Giorgos Ntinopoulos, a representative of construction company Themeli SA, which is carrying out the airport works.
According to Ntinopoulos, the airport is expected to reopen in March even though all construction work will not yet have been completed.
Following a tense meeting, the municipal council unanimously agreed to call on professional, social and trade union organisations to organise a general strike on Monday, October 19.
A protest rally is planned for noon in the island’s central square. Local representatives will also seek meetings with the relevant government ministers in Athens, while the council will examine possible legal action to challenge the closure.
An official resolution opposing the decision is also to be sent to the government.
Forty workers face uncertainty
The closure has raised concerns about the future of approximately 40 employees working in ground handling and airport catering services.
According to the report, workers had received no clear information about their employment arrangements as of Thursday.
Passengers who have already booked flights to and from Chios during the affected period also face uncertainty, while airlines will need to revise their schedules and address prepaid tickets and potential refunds.
The disruption is expected to affect tourism and the local economy, particularly after reduced-capacity aircraft have already contributed to lower passenger numbers.
The airport is estimated to have received around 22,000 fewer visitors during the summer season, a decline of approximately 25% compared with the previous year.
Project costs and delays under scrutiny
The planned closure has also renewed questions over the cost and progress of the airport project.
The original budget stood at €17.4 million before rising to €24.4 million, excluding an early-completion bonus and additional claims by the contractor.
In 2023, the government approved a payment of €589,729.77 before VAT, bringing the total to €689,983.83, under provisions intended to accelerate public works and maintain construction schedules during the energy crisis.
The contractor has also submitted claims worth nearly €2.7 million related to project delays and modifications, according to the report.
The project was originally scheduled for completion in 2024.
The prospect of the airport reopening before all work is finished has further fuelled concerns among residents and local officials, who are demanding clear guarantees on the timetable and measures to limit the island’s transport isolation.
Source:efsyn.gr
