Chios Island National Airport

Chios National Airport "Omiros" sits on the southeastern coast of the island of Chios, four kilometres from the island's capital and main port, Chios Town. It is a small, single-terminal airport serving primarily domestic routes from Athens and Thessaloniki, with additional seasonal charter flights from European cities. Named after the ancient Greek poet Homer, who is traditionally said to have been a native of Chios, the airport handles around 250,000 passengers per year — modest numbers that reflect the island's status as a quiet Aegean destination rather than a mass-tourism hub. The airport is operated by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority and is open only during flight hours, which vary by season; outside those times the terminal is locked and unattended.

Getting There

The airport lies just south of Chios Town, along the coastal road to the village of Karfas. The quickest way to reach the terminal from the town centre is by taxi, a ride of about 10 minutes costing roughly €10–15 depending on the time of day. Taxis wait outside arrivals after every flight, but advance booking is recommended during the busiest periods — particularly Monday evenings at 7pm and Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 6pm, when most flights arrive. For those on a budget, the local public bus (KTEL Chios) runs a service that connects the airport with the central bus station in Chios Town, timed to coincide with flight arrivals. The bus journey takes 15 minutes and costs about €1.60. Rental cars are also available from offices inside the arrivals hall, operated by major companies such as Hertz, Avis, and Europcar. Driving from Chios Town to the airport is straightforward: follow the coastal road towards Karfas and look for the airport signs; parking is free in the on-site car park, which is wheelchair-accessible.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Chios National Airport is compact and functional, designed to process passengers quickly. On departure, check-in desks are located on the ground floor, with a single security screening area that can get congested during peak periods — particularly when multiple flights depart within an hour. The departures lounge upstairs provides basic amenities: a small café serving coffee, soft drinks, and pre-packaged snacks; a duty-free shop selling local products such as Chios mastic, olive oil, and wine; and a seating area with views of the apron. Wheelchair-accessible toilets are available on both levels, and the entire terminal is accessible via ramps and lifts. Arriving passengers emerge into a modest arrivals hall with a luggage belt, car rental desks, and the main exit. There is no airport hotel or significant waiting area beyond the security zone, so arriving early is not recommended — 90 minutes before departure is sufficient for domestic flights, 2 hours for international charters. The airport also offers free Wi-Fi, though the signal can be weak in crowded areas.

Chios National Airport "Omiros" and Chios

Chios is an island of contrasts, known worldwide for its mastic trees — unique to the southern part of the island — which produce the aromatic resin used in chewing gum, liqueurs, and cosmetics. The airport's location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring both the mastic villages of the south, such as Pyrgi and Mesta, and the medieval fortress of Chios Town. The island's history stretches back to antiquity: Chios was a powerful maritime state in classical times, and later a Genoese colony during the Middle Ages, leaving a legacy of fortified towers and elegant architecture. The airport's name, "Omiros," honors the poet Homer, whose birthplace was claimed by Chios; indeed, the island has a long literary and cultural tradition. Visitors come for the beaches — from the organized sands of Karfas to the pebbled coves of Mavra Volia — as well as for the hiking trails that cross the mountains and the Byzantine monasteries hidden in the countryside. The island's cuisine features local cheeses (ladotyri), seafood, and of course mastic-flavored sweets. Chios is less touristy than some Greek islands, offering a more authentic experience, but its airport is well-equipped to handle the summer influx, when Olympic Air and Sky Express operate multiple daily flights from Athens and Aegean Airlines runs additional services. The busiest periods at the airport correspond to the evening flights returning from Athens, especially on Mondays through Thursdays, when many Athenians visit the island for long weekends. For those connecting to the Greek mainland, the airport provides a reliable gateway that avoids the long ferry crossing from Piraeus.

Practical Information

The airport is not open 24 hours; its operating hours align with flight schedules. Typically it opens about 2 hours before the first departure and closes after the last arrival. Check the official website (http://www.ypa.gr/) for current flight times and any updates. For specific inquiries, call +30 2271 081400. The airport has wheelchair-accessible facilities throughout, including the car park, entrance, and toilets. One concrete tip: if you are departing on a late afternoon or evening flight, be aware that the café in the departures lounge closes when the last outbound flight departs, so if your flight is delayed, bring your own snacks and water. Also, the airport's bus service does not run outside flight times, so confirm your bus departure with the driver before boarding. For a smooth experience, exchange currency or withdraw cash in Chios Town before arriving, as the airport's ATM can sometimes be out of service.