Chania International Airport
Souda, Greece
Chania International Airport
Gateway to western Crete serving the historic Chania region.
- ›Named after Cretan revolutionary hero Ioannis Daskalogiannis.
- ›Operates as a joint civil-military airport shared with the Hellenic Air Force.
- ›Located near the strategically important Souda Bay, one of the largest natural harbors in Europe.
- ›Heavily seasonal traffic pattern, with summer months accounting for the vast majority of annual passengers.
- ›IATA code CHQ reflects the historical name Khania (alternative spelling of Chania).
Chania International Airport Ioannis Daskalogiannis (CHQ) serves the western part of Crete and is named after the 18th-century Cretan revolutionary hero. Located near the Bay of Souda, one of the largest natural harbours in the Mediterranean, the airport handles predominantly seasonal charter and low-cost traffic connecting Chania to major European cities. It plays a vital role in sustaining the tourism economy of western Crete, welcoming millions of visitors each summer to the island's renowned beaches, gorges, and historic old town.
- Main Terminal — A single combined terminal handling all arrivals and departures, compact in size but typically busy during peak summer months.
- KTEL intercity bus service connecting the airport to Chania city centre
- Taxi stands available directly outside the arrivals hall
- Pre-booked private transfer services to Chania, Rethymno, and resort areas
- Car rental desks from major providers including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Sixt
- Seasonal shuttle services operated by local hotels and tour operators
- Meliá Chania
- Minoa Palace Resort & Spa
- Porto Veneziano Hotel
- Kydon Central Suites
- Avra Imperial Hotel
Inside the terminal, food and beverage options are limited to a small café and snack bar airside, so travellers should plan accordingly for longer waits. The city of Chania, roughly 15 kilometres away, offers a rich dining scene centred around the Venetian harbour with fresh seafood, mezedes, and traditional Cretan cuisine. Picking up local cheeses, olive oil, and thyme honey from shops near the old market is a popular pre-departure ritual for departing visitors.
- Arrive early in summer as the terminal gets congested quickly during peak charter flight periods.
- Car rental is highly recommended — public bus connections are infrequent and the island's best sights require independent transport.
- Exchange currency or withdraw euros before leaving the airport, as ATM availability on rural roads in western Crete is limited.
- Check whether your accommodation is closer to Chania city or Kissamos before booking your ground transport, as distances vary significantly.
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Chania International Airport "Daskalogiannis" is an international airport located near Souda Bay on the Akrotiri peninsula of the Greek island of Crete, serving the city of Chania, 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) away. It is a gateway to western Crete for an increasing number of tourists. The airport is named after Daskalogiannis, a Cretan rebel against Ottoman rule in the 18th century, and is a joint civil–military airport. It is the sixth-busiest airport in Greece.
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