New Heraklion International Airport: construction progress at 22% – Archaeological works in the area continue

In parallel with the development of the project, the archaeological work for the new International airport in Kasteli Heraklion is also running, in which the progress has reached 22%. More specifically, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport approved a fund of 6.5 million euros to cover costs for archaeological research and work in the context of the construction of this large project.

As noted in the relevant decision of the Ministry of Infrastructure, the funds pledged at the beginning of 2020 are not sufficient for works carried out by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Heraklion, as well as for works carried out by the Concessionaire and the costs were paid by the E. Y.D.E./K.S.E.S.P. to the Company “New International Airport of Heraklion S.A.” for the Manufacturer TERNA S.A. Let’s remember that the project has as its concessionaire the GEK TERNA-GMR scheme.

The 6.5 million euros will be needed to cover the costs of staff employment, material supply, etc. which are carried out accountable and independently by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Heraklion based on the above-mentioned Memoranda of Understanding and Cooperation between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Infrastructure.

The money will be used to cover the costs of staff employment, the provision of mechanical means and the removal of ancient remains/structures by the Concessionaire, in cases where his assistance is deemed necessary and has been requested by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Heraklion.

Archaeological excavations will continue

Alongside the project, archaeological excavations will continue as, as noted in the decision, there is still a significant number of reserved pieces of land due to the number of ancient finds, remains and structures both in the airport construction area and its road connections.

The acceleration of the archaeological excavations is considered quite important since it is crucial not to create delays in the implementation of the project, which may entail the payment of compensations by the State to the Company “New International Airport of Heraklion S.A.”.

A total of excavations are carried out in 26 locations of the project. It is positive that the expropriations have been completed.

The great project of Crete

Today the new airport in Kasteli Heraklion is the largest investment in an infrastructure project. When operational, it will replace the existing Nikos Kazantzakis airport. We have reached 97% of earthworks, 45% of flood protection, while the construction of the road connection with VOAK is progressing. Today the progress reaches 26.7%.

At full development, the project will create 2,000 jobs and multiple permanent jobs during the operational period and the period when the new commercial infrastructure and uses are developed.” Based on the recent report of the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), it is estimated that Kastelli Airport will create approximately 7,000 to 7,500 direct jobs (in the Airport company, airlines, handling management companies, service companies, etc. .).

Let us remember that since last December, the concession contract was amended in order to increase the area of the Airport by 32% and reach approximately 91,000 sq.m. instead of 68,000 sq.m. provided for in the original contract. At the same time, other changes were made such as:

-The integration of the Schengen and non-Schengen areas with a new access, with a new bridge.

-The creation of a larger terminal due to the revision of the processing time required to serve a passenger. For this change, the COVID pandemic, which differentiates needs and requirements, was also taken into account.

– The creation of sanitary facilities at the departure gates.

– The increase of the police station from 89 square meters to approximately 500 square meters.

-The possibility of parking a much larger number of aircraft, as the parking spaces increased from 5 to 16 and 4 new ones were created for Airbus A321neo planes.