Heraklion Hits New Tourism Heights with Over 4 Million Air Arrivals in 2025

Heraklion International Airport, also known as Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (IATA: HER), is a key gateway to Crete and one of Greece’s busiest airports. In 2025, the airport experienced a significant surge in international arrivals, with more than four million international visitors arriving by October—an 11.1% increase compared to October 2024. Total arrivals for the first ten months reached approximately 4.8 million passengers, including around 75,698 domestic arrivals, signaling steady demand for both leisure and business travel.

Germany is the leading market for Heraklion, contributing 1.19 million arrivals in 2025, followed by the United Kingdom with over 663,000 arrivals, and France with over 425,000 visitors. Other important source countries include Poland, the Netherlands, Israel, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Romania, Austria, and the Czech Republic, reflecting the airport’s broad appeal across Europe and beyond. The airport serves not only Heraklion city but also nearby resorts and towns, supporting a vibrant tourism ecosystem in Crete.

The ongoing growth at Heraklion Airport underscores its critical role in Greek tourism, driven by increasing global demand for the island’s cultural, historical, and natural attractions. This growth positively impacts local businesses, employment, and infrastructure development, further solidifying Heraklion as a major Mediterranean travel hub.

Key Points:

• Over 4 million international arrivals at Heraklion Airport by October 2025, a record increase of 11.1% year-on-year.
• Total passenger traffic (domestic and international) reached around 4.8 million from January to October 2025.
• Germany, UK, and France are top source markets, with significant arrivals also from Poland, Netherlands, Israel, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Romania, Austria, and Czech Republic.
• The airport services Heraklion city and nearby popular tourist destinations across Crete.
• Growth supports Greek tourism revenue and regional economic vitality.
• Heraklion is Greece’s second busiest airport and a key Mediterranean gateway with international and domestic connections.