Chios Airport

Welcome to Chios Island National Airport "Omiros" — the aerial gateway to one of Greece's most authentic islands. Located in the picturesque area of Kampos, south of the island's capital, this airport serves as the starting point for exploring the homeland of mastic and medieval villages. The airport began operations on August 4, 1969, and has since served as a vital transport hub connecting Chios with mainland Greece and other islands in the Aegean Sea. Despite its compact size and a runway just over 1.5 km long, it is capable of accommodating Airbus A320 class aircraft, ensuring a comfortable start to your journey.

The main advantage of Chios Airport is its convenient location. Just a 10–15 minute taxi or bus ride, and you will find yourself in the centre of the island's capital, ready to begin your adventure. The compact terminal allows you to quickly orient yourself, check in, and pass through security without unnecessary hassle, which is especially valuable for those who dislike large and noisy airport terminals. Inside, you will find everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight: a café, a small shop, and car rental desks.

"Omiros" Airport is a key hub for travel within the region. Regular flights are operated from here to Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as to other islands such as Lemnos, Mytilene, Rhodes, and Samos, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the northern and eastern parts of the Aegean Sea. Thanks to this, even with its small size, the airport plays an important role in the island's tourism infrastructure.

• Official Website: www.jkh-airport.gr
• Information Desk Phone: +30 22710 81400
• Airport Address: Chios 821 00, Greece
• Email: jkh-info@fraport-greece.com
• Social Media: The airport is managed by Fraport Greece. Up-to-date information can be found on the operator's official social media pages (e.g., LinkedIn, YouTube).
• Lost Luggage Information: For questions regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact the Lost & Found service of your airline or the ground handling representative. Contacts for handling companies at Chios Airport: Skyserv (+30 22710 81410) and Goldair Handling (+30 22710 81415).
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance, you may use the main airport phone number or send an email.

Getting to Chios Island National Airport "Omiros" (JKH) from the capital, the city of Chios, is effortless, as it is located just 4 kilometres south of the centre. The most economical way is to use local buses. Public transport routes connect the airport with the city and other popular areas of the island. The journey to the centre will take just 10-15 minutes, and the ticket price is pleasantly low — usually only a couple of Euros. We recommend checking the schedule in advance, as it may change depending on the season.

For those who value comfort and speed, a taxi is the ideal choice. The taxi rank is located right outside the arrivals terminal exit. A trip to Chios city centre will take no more than 5-10 minutes, and the cost will be approximately 10-15 Euros. This is an excellent option if you are travelling with bulky luggage or small children. You can also book a private transfer in advance, which is particularly convenient for groups of tourists — the driver will meet you with a sign right in the arrivals hall.

If you plan to actively explore the picturesque corners of the island, the best solution is car rental. Several international and local rental companies have offices at Chios Airport. To guarantee the availability of a car in your desired class and to get a better price, we strongly advise booking a vehicle in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented car, convenient parking is available, offering options for both short-term and long-term stays.

Thus, the choice of transport depends on your priorities: the bus suits budget travellers, a taxi is for those seeking comfort, and a rented car offers freedom of movement around the island. Whatever your choice, the journey to or from the airport will be quick and convenient, making it an excellent starting point for travelling around this corner of Greece.

Chios "Omiros" Airport (JKH) is a small regional airport, typical of the Greek islands. Its structure is extremely simple and clear, making navigation quick and convenient even for first-time visitors.

The airport consists of one compact terminal that handles all flights — both domestic and international (mainly seasonal charters). Due to its small size, there is no complex layout, long walkways, or need for shuttles. All key areas are within walking distance of each other within a single building.

Upon entering the terminal, you immediately find yourself in the general area where the check-in counters for several airlines are located. The departure and arrival zones are clearly separated. After checking in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening, followed by a small waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrivals area is located in another part of the building and includes a baggage claim belt and an exit to the public area, where you can find representatives of car rental companies and the taxi rank.

Completing all formalities typically does not take much time. On a standard day, check-in and security take about 20-30 minutes. However, during the peak tourist season (July-August), queues are possible, so it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. The main advice for navigation is simple: follow the signs, which are duplicated in English. In this small terminal, it is practically impossible to get lost; everything is intuitive and clearly visible.

The history of Chios Airport (JKH), named after the legendary poet Homer ("Omiros"), is a story of gradual development closely linked to the growth of the island's tourist appeal. The airport began operations on August 4, 1969, when it received the first flight from Olympic Airways from Athens. At that time, its infrastructure was modest: the runway was only 1,100 metres long, and the passenger terminal was a small building of 200 square metres.

As the island of Chios became an increasingly popular destination, the need for expansion arose. The first significant changes occurred in the early 1970s. In 1971, a new terminal of 550 sq. m was built, and in 1972, the runway was extended to 1,500 metres. These improvements allowed for more flights and passengers, laying the foundation for further growth.

The most extensive modernization of the airport took place in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In 1987, construction began on a modern passenger terminal, which was inaugurated in 1991. The new building of 2,700 square metres, which passengers use today, along with a new control tower and an upgraded runway lighting system, brought service to a qualitatively new level. This reconstruction became a key stage, allowing the airport to handle a growing flow of both domestic and seasonal international charter flights.

Since then, "Omiros" Airport has been a vital transport hub for the island, ensuring its connection with mainland Greece and the world. Although the airport cannot boast record passenger numbers compared to major international hubs, its main achievement is stable and reliable operation over decades. An interesting fact: the code JKH comes from one of the Latin transliterations of the Greek name of the island (Chios), and today the airport remains the gateway to the unique world of mastic villages, medieval castles, and beautiful beaches of Chios.

Chios Island National Airport Chios (JKH), despite its modest size, provides passengers with all essential services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find general waiting lounges where you can rest before departure. For a snack or a cup of coffee, there is a café-buffet offering light snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. Passengers can use free Wi-Fi to stay connected, and power outlets are available in the departure lounge for charging electronic devices.

For the convenience of travellers, ATMs are installed in the airport building for cash withdrawals. There is also a small shop where you can purchase souvenirs, the famous mastic, and other local products from Greece, as well as travel essentials. There are no specialized VIP lounges at the airport, but the general atmosphere is quite calm. In case of need, passengers can seek first aid at the airport's medical station.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility: ramps and specially equipped toilets are available. Staff are ready to assist with movement through the terminal, check-in, and boarding — it is recommended to notify the airline in advance for this. For travellers with small children, there are baby care rooms with changing tables.

There are no hotels on the airport grounds, but thanks to its proximity to the island's capital, Chios town (just a few kilometres away), finding suitable accommodation for the night is easy. Most hotels are located within a 5-10 minute taxi ride. Specialized business centres or conference rooms are absent at the airport, as it is primarily oriented towards serving tourist traffic.

Chios Airport (JKH) is a small regional air terminal, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited. Do not expect large restaurants or food courts. Dining options are mainly confined to one or two café-bars offering a basic range of services for passengers waiting for their flight.

The main café is located in the public departure hall, accessible to all visitors before security control (landside). Here you can order coffee, soft drinks, juices, as well as light snacks. The assortment usually includes sandwiches, toast, crisps, and sweets. This is an ideal place for a quick snack if you have arrived at the airport early. After passing through security (airside), a small kiosk with drinks and packaged snacks may be operating, but its selection is even more limited.

If you want to try some local pastries, look out for traditional Greek pies such as tiropita (with cheese) or spanakopita (with spinach). They are often on the menu and are an excellent option for a substantial snack, including for vegetarians. However, finding specialized vegan, gluten-free, or Halal-certified meals at Chios Airport is practically impossible. For a full lunch or dinner, it is recommended to eat at one of the numerous restaurants in the city of Chios before travelling to the airport.

Prices at the airport are generally higher than the average in the city. The opening hours of dining establishments depend directly on the flight schedule — they usually open a few hours before the first flight and close after the departure of the last one. Therefore, if you have an early morning or late-night flight, it is better to carry a small supply of water and food with you.

Travelling through Chios Airport (JKH), like any other, will be much more pleasant if you prepare in advance. The island's airport is small, but during peak season, it can be quite busy. Here are a few tips to help you save time, money, and stress.

When to arrive at the airport? For international flights, it is recommended to arrive 2-2.5 hours before departure, and for domestic flights within Greece — 1.5-2 hours. This time is sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass through security without rushing, especially during the summer months.

Check-in and Security. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website. If this is not possible or you need to drop off luggage, use the counters in the terminal. Security control here is standard: be prepared to remove laptops, tablets, and liquids from your hand luggage. Liquids up to 100 ml each must be packed in a transparent bag.

Seat Selection. Want to enjoy views of the Aegean Sea during takeoff or landing? Choose a window seat. If legroom or a quick exit after landing is more important to you — choose an aisle seat. Since most flights are short, this choice may not be critical, but it is always worth considering in advance for comfort.

Hand Luggage. Be sure to pack all valuables in your hand luggage: documents, money, bank cards, electronics, and prescription medications. It is strictly forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances. Remember the limit on liquids — no more than 1 litre in total, in containers up to 100 ml.

Connecting Passengers. Chios Airport mainly serves direct flights. If you have a self-transfer (for example, you are flying to Athens and from there to another country), allow sufficient time between flights. You will have to collect your luggage, check in again, and go through all pre-flight formalities.

Customs Control. For travellers arriving from non-Schengen countries, passport control is mandatory. Customs inspection of luggage is usually random. If you are not carrying goods subject to declaration, feel free to proceed through the "Green Channel".

Saving Time and Money. Book your transfer from the airport in advance to avoid inflated prices from taxi drivers on site. Bring an empty water bottle with you — after passing security, you can fill it at a drinking fountain, saving on buying beverages.

Flight Delays. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative. Depending on the length of the wait, you may be provided with vouchers for food and drinks. Passengers departing from the EU or on flights with European airlines are protected by regulation EC 261/2004, which provides for compensation in certain cases. Keep all receipts and documents related to the delay.