Heraklion International Airport, “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER)

1. Airport Overview

2. History and Background

  • Founding Year: 1939
  • Development Timeline:
    • 1939: Airport opens as a military airfield
    • 1946: Converted to civilian use
    • 1971: Renamed in honor of Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis
  • Significant Events:
    • 2018: Plans announced for a new international airport at Kasteli to replace Heraklion International Airport
    • 2019: Record passenger traffic of over 8 million

3. Facilities and Services

  • Passenger Services:
    • Lounges: Goldair Handling Lounge
    • Wi-Fi: Free limited Wi-Fi available throughout the airport
    • Baggage Services: Lost & Found, baggage wrapping, and storage
  • Shopping and Dining:
    • Shops: Duty-free, local Cretan products, and international brands
    • Restaurants: Kafenio, Everest, Flocafe, and more
  • Transportation:
    • Public Transport: Buses, taxis
    • Car Rentals: Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt
    • Parking: Short-term and long-term parking options
    • Shuttles: Hotel shuttles and city shuttles available
  • Accessibility: Services for passengers with reduced mobility, accessible restrooms, dedicated assistance teams

4. Terminals and Layout

  • Terminal Information:
    • Single terminal serving both domestic and international flights
  • Airport Layout Map: Interactive Map

5. Flights and Airlines

  • Airlines: Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, EasyJet, Lufthansa, TUI, and many more
  • Destinations: Over 100 destinations worldwide including Athens, London, Paris, and Frankfurt
  • Flight Status: Real-time Flight Status

6. Travel Tips and Information

  • Check-In Procedures: Check-in counters open 2-3 hours before departure; online check-in available
  • Security: Comprehensive security procedures; separate lines for families and business travelers
  • Customs and Immigration: Passport control for non-Schengen flights, customs checks for arriving international passengers

7. Hotels and Accommodation

  • On-Site Hotels:
    • No on-site hotels within the terminal
  • Nearby Hotels:
    • Sofia Hotel
    • Hotel Karteros
    • Asterion Hotel

8. Airport Lounges

  • Lounge Access:
    • Goldair Handling Lounge: Access with Priority Pass membership, or for a fee
  • Lounge Amenities: Complimentary food and beverages, Wi-Fi, workstations, relaxation areas

9. Business and Conference Facilities

  • Business Centers: Available in the Goldair Handling Lounge with workstations and meeting rooms
  • Meeting Rooms: Available at nearby hotels such as Sofia Hotel and Asterion Hotel

10. Airport Statistics

  • Passenger Traffic: Approximately 8 million passengers annually (pre-COVID)
  • Flight Operations: Over 45,000 flight movements annually
  • Cargo: Handles over 8,000 tons of cargo annually

11. Future Developments

  • Upcoming Projects: New international airport at Kasteli, expected to replace Heraklion International Airport by 2025
  • Renovation Plans: Ongoing upgrades to terminal interiors, security, and passenger facilities

12. Traveler Experiences

13. Photo Gallery

  • Images:
    • Exterior view of the terminal complex
    • Interior shots of check-in areas, lounges, and dining options
    • Aircraft on the tarmac

14. Useful Links

15. Contact and Support

  • Customer Support:
  • Feedback: Feedback form available on the official website

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