All flights suspended as popular Greek island airport to close for 4 months

Chios Airport on the Greek island of Chios will suspend all flights for four months as runway works begin ahead of next summer’s tourist season. The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority says the closure runs from Nov. 15 to March 15, 2027, shutting the island—home to about 50,000 residents—off from visitors during the period. The current runway is 1,511 meters, which limits operations to smaller propeller aircraft or narrow-body planes. After upgrades, the runway will reach 1,799 meters to support larger aircraft. Emergency flights, including medical evacuations and search and rescue, will still operate. Business leaders warn the timing will hurt the island’s economy, especially around Christmas and New Year.