The new environmental approval became necessary following modifications to the original project layout prompted by significant archaeological findings. Among these are a Roman aqueduct, a water bridge, and the site known as "Petrianos Lakkos."
These discoveries impacted the road alignment, necessitating interventions including the construction of a tunnel in the Xirokamara area. For environmental reasons, a road tunnel approximately 3 kilometers in length per traffic direction will be constructed, contributing to the reduction of the travel distance between Hersonissos and the new Heraklion Airport.
Two roads will connect the airport to the Northern Road Axis of Crete (BOAK) and the Southern Road Axis Heraklion–Viannos. The first, approximately 18 kilometers long, will link the airport with BOAK near Hersonissos. This motorway-grade road will have a 17-meter-wide carriageway with two lanes in each direction, each lane 3.3 meters wide. The expected average daily traffic is estimated at 13,181 vehicles.
The second road will connect the airport with the Arkalohori area. It will be 6 kilometers long and 11 meters wide, featuring one lane per direction with lane widths of 3.75 meters. The expected average daily traffic is estimated at 8,718 vehicles.
The new airport, currently under construction in Kasteli, will replace the existing Kazantzakis Airport in Heraklion and will feature:
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A runway of 3,200 meters length
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45 aircraft service stands, including 16 for smaller private aircraft and 3 for helicopters
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A seven-level terminal building totaling approximately 94,000 square meters
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A 44-meter-high control tower and a meteorological station building
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Parking facilities for 1,300 private cars and 120 tourist coaches
Additionally, the airport site includes 725 acres designated for hypermarkets, department stores, shopping centers, and service areas.
The estimated cost of the new infrastructure works exceeds €130 million.
