Chania International Airport
CHQSouda, Greece
Welcome to Chania Airport, operated by Fraport Greece.
5.0/ 5(1)Major hubScheduled serviceICAO LGSA816 word guide
Departures & Arrivals
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Airport at a glance
- Google rating
- 5.0/5 · 1 reviews
- Phone
- +30 2821 083800
- Official site
- chq-airport.gr
- Time zone
- Europe/Athens
- Address
- Airport Ioannis Daskalogiannis, Chania, Ethniki Odos Aerodromioy Soydas, Souda 731 00, Greece
- Plus code · G4RR+42 Akrotiri, Greece
Quick Facts
- IATA
- CHQ
- ICAO
- LGSA
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5
- Type
- Major hub
- Scheduled
- Yes
- Elevation
- 490 ft
- Coordinates
- 35.540, 24.140
Confirmed amenities
5 features verified at Chania International Airport
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Amenities
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Traveller reviews
5.01 review on Google
- XAXARALAMPOS 1978Local guideSep 2025
Nice international airport of Chania named after Ioannis Daskalogiannis. Ioannis Vlachos was born in Anopolis, Sfakion, probably in 1725. His surname comes from a nickname given to his family, as his ancestors had developed commercial activities in the Moldavian region, as did other Sfakian shipowners. His father, having acquired money from trade, was able to send him to study abroad. That is why Ioannis Vlachos, as an educated person, acquired the nickname Daskalogiannis, with which he remained in history. In February 1770, after the arrival of Russian forces in Mani, Daskalogiannis, who had in the meantime joined the Orloffs, sent a few hundred Sfakians there to help the revolutionaries of the Peloponnese. Shortly afterwards, in the spring of the same year, a rebellion broke out in Sfakia and Daskalogiannis was placed at its head. Specifically, in April 1770, and after they had previously gathered food and ammunition and had fortified key passes in the mountains, the Sfakians expelled the collector, who had gone to collect the poll tax. They then attacked and killed several Ottomans living in the lowlands of the region and seized their property, forcing the rest to seek refuge in nearby fortresses. This first attack against the Muslims of Crete took place on Easter 1770, in a symbolic gesture related to the messianic faith of the enslaved Orthodox that the Roman race would one day be liberated from the Turks. Among other things, the myth had developed that every Easter the Angels celebrate Easter inside the Holy Church of Hagia Sophia. Then the Pashas of Crete, following orders from the Sultan, organized a military force of 15,000 men in order to strike at the rebels. However, before the Ottoman troops began operations, two clerics were sent to the Sfakians in order to convince them to lay down their arms, but Daskalogiannis rejected the proposal. The Ottomans managed, with the help of artillery, to capture key points held by the rebels and some villages, where they carried out massacres and looting. Then the rebels with Daskalogiannis took refuge in the mountain peaks and in places where it was difficult for the Ottomans to reach and began the stealth war. The stealth war continued until winter, when the situation became very difficult for both sides. Thus, in March 1771, the Sfakians proposed to stop the clashes on the condition that they would be given amnesty. The Ottoman side agreed to grant amnesty but with the following conditions: The poll tax should now be paid "per capita" and not as before "in a lump sum", the Ottoman prisoners should be released and the Sfakians should no longer provide food to the warships sailing around Crete. They also imposed prohibitions regarding the clothing of the Sfakians, the construction of new churches and towers and removed the judicial power from the community leaders. But mainly they demanded that the ringleaders of the rebellion be handed over so that they could be punished. Thus Daskalogiannis surrendered with his companions to the Ottomans in Chandaka and was imprisoned. It is said that Daskalogiannis surrendered after receiving a letter from his brother, who had been captured by the Ottomans, in which he assured him of the pasha's intentions and told him that he should go to Chandaka. On June 17, 1771, Daskalogiannis was either flayed alive or hanged. Many of his companions were also executed with him.
Chania Airport Ioannis Daskalogiannis Guide
Chania Airport (CHQ), officially named Ioannis Daskalogiannis, is the main gateway to western Crete, Greece. Situated on the Akrotiri Peninsula, just 14 kilometres from the charming city of Chania, this airport serves as a vital hub for tourists exploring the region's beaches, ancient ruins, and mountain villages. Despite its modest size, the airport handles a significant volume of seasonal traffic, especially during the summer months. Here’s everything you need to know to navigate it efficiently.
Terminal & Layout
The airport has a single terminal building that handles both domestic and international flights. The layout is straightforward: arrivals and departures are on the same level, with check-in counters, security, and baggage claim all within easy walking distance. The terminal is compact, so transfer times between gates are short. During peak summer hours, the space can feel crowded, so allow extra time for security checks.
Amenities
Wi-Fi
Chania Airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Connectivity is generally reliable, allowing passengers to stream, browse, or catch up on work. Simply connect to the network and follow the login instructions. There are no time limits or data caps reported, making it a convenient option for waiting passengers.
Toilets
Clean and well-maintained toilets are available in the departures and arrivals areas. Both standard and wheelchair-accessible toilets are provided. The facilities are regularly serviced, though during very busy periods, you may encounter queues.
Accessibility
The airport is committed to accessibility. Wheelchair-accessible seating is available in departure lounges, and accessible toilets are clearly marked. Passengers requiring assistance should inform their airline in advance to ensure smooth handling through check-in, security, and boarding. The terminal is flat with no stairs, making navigation easier for those with mobility challenges.
Getting To & From
- Bus: The local KTEL bus connects the airport to Chania city centre and other destinations like Rethymno and Heraklion. Services are timed to coincide with flights, but frequency varies by season. Tickets can be bought on the bus or from the terminal.
- Taxi: Taxis line up outside arrivals. The journey to Chania city centre takes about 20 minutes, with fares around €25–30. Confirm the price before departing to avoid surprises.
- Car Rental: Many major rental agencies have counters in the arrivals hall. Booking in advance is recommended, especially in summer. The airport is well connected to the national road network, making driving to beaches or other towns straightforward.
Parking
Short- and long-term parking is available directly opposite the terminal. The car park is open 24/7 and payment is made at automated machines or via mobile app. Parking rates are reasonable, with discounts for long stays. During peak season, spaces fill quickly, so consider booking online if possible.
Dining & Shopping
Options are limited compared to larger airports. A café and a small duty-free shop are located after security. The café serves snacks, sandwiches, coffee, and drinks. The duty-free offers local products such as olive oil, raki, and souvenirs, as well as standard travel goods. For a proper meal, it’s better to eat in Chania before heading to the airport.
Travel Tips
- Arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours for an international one, especially during summer.
- Security can be strict; keep liquids and electronics accessible.
- The airport is open only during flight operations, so don’t expect to spend the night there.
- If you have a long layover, the nearby Souda Bay area offers a few cafés and a beach within a 15-minute drive, but there is no direct public transport.
About Chania Airport
Chania Airport is named after Ioannis Daskalogiannis, an 18th-century Cretan rebel who led an uprising against Ottoman rule. He was executed in Heraklion, but his legacy lives on in the island’s history. The airport is located on the Akrotiri Peninsula, sharing its tarmac with the Souda Air Base, a Hellenic Air Force and NATO installation. This dual civilian-military use sometimes leads to restrictions or delays if military operations require priority.
The airport serves as the primary air gateway for western Crete, including the cities of Chania, Rethymno, and the popular resort areas of Georgioupolis, Platanias, and Elafonisi. The region is famous for its Venetian harbour, white-sand beaches, and Samaria Gorge. During the summer, charter flights from across Europe bring thousands of tourists, making Chania Airport one of Greece’s busiest seasonal airports. Its location at the northwestern tip of Crete also makes it a strategic point for connecting to ferries to the Peloponnese and other islands.
The surrounding area is historically rich: the nearby Souda Bay was a key Allied naval base during World War II, and remnants of the period can still be seen. The airport itself has been modernised over the years to handle increasing passenger numbers, but it retains a straightforward, no-fuss character that suits the relaxed island vibe.
Airlines at Chania International Airport
10 carriers list direct routes from this airport. 3 Star Alliance members.
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Where can you fly from Chania International Airport?
34 direct destinations across 16 countries.
Most-served direct routes
Location
Chania International Airport
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Wikipedia
More about Chania International Airport
Quick Facts
- IATA
- CHQ
- ICAO
- LGSA
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5
- Type
- Major hub
- Scheduled
- Yes
- Elevation
- 490 ft
- Coordinates
- 35.540, 24.140
W
Wikipedia
More about Chania International Airport
Nearby Airports
Chania International Airport0 km
Complete guide to Chania International Airport Ioannis Daskalogiannis on Crete, Greece. Getting there, terminal facilities, and why Chania is worth visiting.
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Practical information about Maleme Airport in Crete, Greece. Learn about its location, facilities, and the region it serves.
Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis AirportHER93 km
Guide to Plateia Daskalogianni Airstrip, a small landing facility in Heraklion's central square. Information on access, terminal, and local attractions.
Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport96 km
Airport serving Crete, with flights to the Greek islands & other mainland European destinations.
Kithira AirportKIT130 km
Practical guide to Alexandros Onasis Kythira Airport: location, transport, terminal facilities, and what makes Kythira Municipality a unique Greek island destination.