Chios Airport Restricts Flights for Runway Expansion Starting March 2026

The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) has issued a directive that will alter flight operations at Chios Island National Airport (JKH), also known as “Homer” Airport, starting March 12, 2026. The change, detailed in a formal Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), restricts flights to propeller-driven aircraft with limited passenger capacity. This measure is necessary to ensure operational safety during the first phase of a significant runway expansion and infrastructure upgrade project.

The project is a key component of Greece's strategy to modernize regional airport infrastructure to support its vital tourism sector. According to the HCAA, the primary goal is to extend the airport's single runway from its current length of 1,511 meters to 1,799 meters. This extension will enable larger jet aircraft, up to the size of an Airbus A320, to operate without the payload restrictions they currently face, particularly during warmer months. The upgrade is expected to attract more direct international flights, boosting the local economy of the Aegean island. Chios Airport is a crucial gateway, handling approximately 235,000 passengers annually with a consistent 4.2% year-over-year growth trend, as per data from the UNIS Airport Asset Report.

Project Delays and Local Impact

While the long-term benefits are clear, the project has been hampered by significant delays, pushing the expected completion date back. Originally scheduled for completion in late 2026, the HCAA now projects the work will conclude in the first quarter of 2027. These setbacks have been attributed to a combination of material shortages for landfill and unforeseen technical issues related to pipelines.

The repeated postponements have caused frustration among local business and tourism leaders who depend on reliable air access. Kostas Moundros, President of the Chios Tourism Organization, has publicly expressed concern over the shifting timeline. "Our patience is running out... [the project is being continuously pushed back] from one technical issue to another and from one extension to the next," Moundros stated, highlighting the economic uncertainty the delays create for the island's tourism stakeholders.

Operational and Regulatory Context

The temporary restriction to propeller aircraft is a standard safety protocol enforced by the HCAA through the NOTAM system. A Notice to Airmen is a critical tool used by aviation authorities worldwide to communicate real-time changes to airport conditions, procedures, or hazards to flight crews. In this case, the NOTAM for JKH ensures that all operators are aware of the reduced runway capacity and specific aircraft limitations during the construction period.

The Chios runway extension reflects a broader industry trend of investing in regional airports to accommodate modern fleets and increase tourism capacity. By enabling A320-family aircraft to land with full passenger loads, the airport will become more attractive to both legacy carriers and low-cost airlines looking to expand their networks in the Greek islands. The current restrictions often force airlines to implement weight penalties, limiting ticket sales and cargo capacity, which the new runway is designed to eliminate.

What Comes Next

The initial phase of flight restrictions will commence on the evening of Thursday, March 12, 2026, and is expected to last for the duration of the critical construction work near the active runway. Airlines that currently operate jet services to Chios will need to either substitute with suitable propeller aircraft or temporarily suspend their routes. Passengers with bookings during this period should monitor airline schedules closely for potential changes or cancellations.

Barring any further complications, the full runway extension and accompanying infrastructure upgrades are anticipated to be fully operational by spring 2027. The HCAA will continue to provide updates via NOTAMs as the project progresses through its various phases.

Why This Matters

The Chios Airport project serves as a clear case study on the trade-offs inherent in critical aviation infrastructure development. It underscores the tension between the long-term strategic goal of enhancing airport capacity for economic growth and the immediate, short-term operational disruptions required to achieve it. For the wider industry, it highlights the persistent challenges of supply chain reliability and technical complexities that can delay even well-planned airport modernization projects, directly impacting airlines, passengers, and local economies dependent on air travel.

omniflights.com provides comprehensive commercial aviation news covering airlines, aircraft, and airports. Stay informed on aviation incidents, investigations, and best practices in the Safety category at omniflights.com/safety.