Not as busy as in previous years, also here it is mwrkbaar regarding the covid 19.
Crete is one of the least risky areas.
3.5 hours with a face mask on the plane was not that bad, it was only half full.
It was the worst experience I have had at an airport. At the check in side of the airport the main restaurant was closed. The coffee shop advertised some hot food but when asked it was not available. On the air side I hoped some where would be open to get a hot meal. The only place available was also closed. Our flight was delayed. After check in we had to wait over 3 hours for staff to open the security area. By then every one was waiting at the same time resulting in a line of people waiting. Very little information was available at the airport. I hope to never go there again.
Mediocore airport. It's not well organised and it's crowdy in summer.
Comfortable and clean, friendly staff, helpful people. Bus from the center to the airport from around 6am or so to after 9pm. Plenty of taxis who will take you to the center for E10. The bus costs E1.50 or so. Cheap and clean. Tickets are sold in a shed near the bus stop and torn in half by you and the drive as you enter the bus. Hold your half firmly. As for the airport experience, all the amenities are there. It is a nice airport...not to big, not too small, light and airy.
Very unstructured, no manned information desk.
Unfriendly staff.
This is probably the worst airport I've been to. There is no structure. The staff doesn't appear to know what they're doing. You stay in the line for 2 hours only to get your luggage checked in, but not taken like in any other modern airport. Instead you leave the line and then go wait in yet another line where you give your luggage to the staff. The two lines are next to each other. The departure lobby is dirty and not looked after. But once you enter the duty free zone after at least 3 tiring queues, it is all tidy for you to spend money in. Heraklion is a busy airport where a lot of tourists come, so they should really fix all of that.
The staff is friendly and the clearance is fast.
However, the hygiene is an impertinence.
No toilet goggles on the dirty toilets and the cabins are partly not lockable. In search of a decent toilet cubicle we were in 3 toilets. Not one had a toilet seat. Disgusting.
Very good check out management. It worked out great.
Extremely dirty airport, only 2 of 6 toilets are functional and these are dirtier than all toilets we have seen in Crete !!!!!
An eyesore on the island!
The worst experience ever.
1. Filthy & poor condition
2. Absolutely chaotic place - why can't you use simple posts and ropes to manage queues?
3. Outbound flight - took over 2h to go through the desk, x-ray and security - almost missed my flight
4. They lost my luggage! It didn't leave the airport. Based on the chaos I witness I have literally zero hope I'll ever get it back.
The overall holiday experience ruined by that outgoing flight and as a result I will never visit that island again.
Bad airport. Dirt free of adequate waiting rooms but above all almost non-existent controls. A passenger next to me had managed to load a keychain / knife
At this level of disorder, complication, lack of indications, lack of sympathy from the staff who do not speak but bark, this airport is a shame!
The airport staff managed a busy airport during covid times with efficiency. Everything from check-in to security to boarding was smooth. Bathrooms were being cleaned regularly. As for mask wearing, it was more the foreign tourists not wearing their masks properly.
No waiting time, friendly staff, more than enough seats
Absolute chaos! First you have to wait in line to weigh your luggage (this took the employee 15 minutes (!) Per family. And that with an unmanageable number of passengers!). Then you have to lift the suitcases off the scales and return them to another place. All of this takes HOURS.
Going to the toilet is the horror! Some of the doors cannot be locked, with the puddles on the floor you don't know what they are made of. Toilet paper: none. The soap dispenser out of order, but there is an (!) Almost empty soap dispenser from the supermarket for 8 washing places available.
I have never been to such a disorganized and dirty airport!
Sorry this is a nightmare. Toilets dirty until something else. Unfriendly staff, Duty Free completely covered
1 star because you can not give zero: The worst airport ever seen in my life, past the controls opens a sort of infernal circle. Only one large duty free shop with a half-hour queue at the ticket offices and 3 bars in total with about one flight departing every 5 minutes. There was no living space even while standing. To add that I am speaking of June 01, I dare not imagine in August. A beautiful and so touristic island cannot afford to have such a horrible airport.
TIP: try to fly out of Chania or wait as long as possible.
Still old fashioned and small. Never enough space at check in or at the gates.The duty free area has been expanded and is modern and very well equipped. The prices are fairly high- depending on your country of origin there might be some good buys. Wifi is free, but spotty. No boarding bridges, you have to use busses, or even walk to the airport/aircraft.
Fantastic airport, great service in Greek style, why do you complain so much
I recommend for those who are thirsty for entertainment, thrill of emotions and enthusiasts of fast slalom in the direction of clearance or luggage ...
In addition, a nice view outside the window or beautiful blue sea ...
The reason not to fly to Crete is the disasters at Heraklion Airport. 1000 people not air-conditioned area ... I can not imagine even bad
Maybe Banana Republic is worse than here ...
Couldn't even see the airport as we were queueing in baggage check for more then 1h... One gate opened, almost late for the fly. Only 3 people working at the baggage check... and 300 waiting. JOKE
Shame on the country and for Crete! 4 years now no progress. How difficult is it to clean the toilets? Urine sludges, paper nowhere, all broken ..
This has got to be the biggest goddam mess I have ever seen. People everywhere, nobody knows when/where their flights are leaving. We desperately want to get out of here. There is no end in sight. If you're reading this. please send help. 0/10, would not depart from here again.
Dirty, crowded, unfriendly. A disgrace for this beautiful island.
Large lines, lack of information on the placards and signs, a smelly toilet with doors inward close to the toilet (where is the person?). In general, given the huge passenger flow of tourists, the station should be larger, the staff more responsible and more numerous
Arrival Heraklion, through a small Oehr led to the luggage belt, where the issue ran unchecked (not struck where luggage comes). Since beginning of vacation, we were there still relaxed. But should have been forewarned for departure. Measured by the mass of tourists, the airport is at least 70% too small (in terms of area). In addition an outdated technology. So you have to check in, got boarding pass and luggage (back) to deliver it separately on the designated luggage counter (1 counter for about 12 simultaneous flights). Then comes the Security Needle Ear (one pass), but it gets really bad afterwards because there is not enough room for all those waiting at the gates. So waiting for the plane has the character of a folk festival on a sunny warm day !!
I would have assumed such an airport in a 3-world country, but not with a member of the EU
A bit small and disorganized during periods of high turnout; connected in a complicated way with the main road arteries.
Absolutely disgusting! Toilets overflowing with waste.
No staff.
Airport was so dark.
The baggage carousel was a total joke. Luggage got stuck (no staff assisted, just walked by and ignored people).
The whole airport is a total disgrace for what is a beautiful city with nice people. Compare this sh*t hole to the amazing and clean bus station and you'll be amazed. Just glad I only had to be there for 2 minutes.
The airport is a bit busy at the moment. But short distances and everything is ok!
The worst airport I've been to :-) time has stopped here very, very long ago.
Totally crowded, everything seemed very disorganized. There is not enough seating, toilets are well.
Everything a little different: luggage is checked in at a counter, must then be taken back to be delivered to another counter. However, the staff of the entire airport was very friendly. The toilets are an impertinence !!!
The processes (check-in, etc.) should be further optimized. The duty-free has been renovated in the new, good concept, but unfortunately the prices are very steep and the products more expensive than elsewhere on the island.
It is small and dirty, the toilets were very dirty.
What a horrible airport. Certainly waited an hour for check-in, security staff hardly speaks English. A disgrace.
Unfortunately we had the pleasure of being at the airport on the day of the tower strike. There was no information about our 1.5 hour delay and that wasn't so nice with two young children.
The airport is old and needs to be renovated. No restaurants and only two very expensive bakeries. Sockets, comfortable seats, working WiFi are missing. The security situation does not meet European standards.
The check-in was quick and good, as was the security check. Boarding went less well. We were supposed to line up for it, and then we stood ... After a long time we finally went down the stairs, but then we had to wait again. The bus just didn't come. Standing for a total of 30 minutes, that was very exhausting for me because I am still not so resilient after a broken leg. Of course we couldn't start on time because of that.
Everything works, you can fly in and out.
But the building is falling apart, toilet a disaster, cracks, it stinks everything, not clean.
Horrible airport, bad air condition system - stuffy air. Using the restrooms will be the most challenging task in your life. There are no toilet seats and also no toilet role holder. Also no paper or hand dryer to dry your hands after washing them - prepare for the worst when visiting the restrooms. Unfortunately, there is no option to give 0 stars.
modest to what money they take from us, maybe the Venetians come again
The condition of the airport leaves a lot to be desired, especially the toilets. 2020 toilets refurbished, I added a star.
Inadequate and incapable of airport staff. Shame on those who fail to manage the airport's passenger numbers. Today Monday 28-04-14, a passenger to Frankfurt with a TUI 10:45 lost his flight due to the queue of 1500 people for security control. Despite his security assurances that he was not going to miss the flight, the flight left while the passengers were checking in and delaying their search without their own fault. The company departed ignoring that there was a passenger locked in control! And of course everyone makes ducks!
A report will be made to the airport officer and company and responsibilities will be requested!
Arrival unfortunately with broken suitcase roll. Toilets as already reported by others are an impertinence. All charging stations with sockets and USB ports completely without electricity. Strangely enough, the paid massage chairs are not. Permanent noise from any construction site outside. And then paid 4.70 for a small (fortunately acceptable) cafe latte - this is more expensive than in Germany.
Very special airport.
The lack of air conditioning in the luggage belts takes care to adapt the guests to the heat of Crete.
The low ceilings with poor lighting make the people psychic and drive away, so that the building empties quickly.
The narrow sidewalks bring tourists in direct and close contact with local guides, to adapt them to the traffic conditions of the island.
As for the departure, the counters do not take the luggage automatically: this is of course the responsibility of the passenger, who after the security check enters a really modern area with shops and restaurants, to leave his money in a modern and civilized environment .
Finally, the departure gates are comfortable, overlooking the sea, many seats and elegant decoration from discarded garbage, spilled coffee, overflowing bins and plenty of flies!
As a whole, a third world building, with Western European aspirations.
Pure chaos, the airport is bursting at the seams and the sanitary facilities are definitely an impertinence!
It's not as bad as they say ... maybe I was lucky because in this period of Covid there is a little less tourism. I have seen far worse airports.
Airport needs to rebuild. Very dark and not very inviting.
Gosh, what's that? An airport? Can not be. The staff is unable to put the travelers in the ranks, they want to see the ticket twice in the control. Everything is very disorganized and chaotic, just like Crete too. A disaster! They live here in the last century and I swear by the wonderful, clean and organized Switzerland. Greece: niiieeee more !!!
Not very informative and quite confusing where to go.
An old-fashioned and dirty airport.
The staff quite unfriendly, in contrast to the Cretan people.
When you go to check the suitcase you put it on the scale / tape as in any other airport in the world, only here when you are finished and you go you get a fight because the suitcase you have to remove again, and move it to another place pass the X-rays. When you put it for the X-rays you get the second row because you do not put it in the position they want, making you move it until you put it in the exact position.
Sercicios very dirty, urinals moored, very bad.
Gore gang on the toilets, amateurish, poorly organized. Stuffy in the waiting areas and the gate information poorly marked.
In itself a small, good airport, the toilets are not super clean but it is okay. I recommend the toilets when you are through the controls, they are okay and not used by that many people. On the whole okay. Unfortunately, the distance was not kept, but with so many people that is hardly possible. Entry and exit ran in rows.
Like 20 years ago, 4 luggage belts 1 broken
Toilets relatively newly renovated and kept in good shape. The people are friendly and in a good mood in the morning.
I fly a lot in my life and have been to different countries, but I have never seen such airports! Very old building, very small building, very poor air conditioning. There are more than 25 reception desks in the building, but usually only the first half is open. baggage is checked in at a separate counter after check-in in a separate queue. All the positive emotions from Crete disappeared at one moment from the airport! ((((
The sanitary facilities, especially their hygiene condition are the worst thing I've ever experienced. Disgusting !!!
Long waits for the suitcases on arrival. Check-in at departure relatively fast.
Terribly bad stuffy-warm air in the Gate A4 area. Toilets moderately clean, no possibility to dry hands on 3 toilets, on several toilets faucets broken. Cabins partly locks defective or missing completely.
Nothing works, one cafe for the whole hall. Business hall at night does not work.
An old-fashioned and out-of-date airport ... The bullying process is not particularly efficient for Arkia.
Toilet is extremely dirty and clean although there is a cleaner.
Duty fruits are not cheap and even a little expensive.
Long wait for check-in. Unpleasant surprise in Paris to note the theft of objects in a closed luggage with padlock and strap (notch by sharp object)
The only word that perfectly reflects the situation that prevails at this airport is CHAOS. Enormous queues, squeeze, scuffles - these are just some of the situations that will meet people wanting to fly out of this place. It's a pity, because after a rest, you can well spoil your nerves. I recommend to be patient!
Awful-dirty. flies everywhere, overpriced canteen, lots of rubbish , blocked toilets- Greece is not a poor country- sorry there is no reason for this airport to be that bad . All places in Crete we have visited was great so why main airport is so bad is beyond us!
Bad information, no coordination. Very dirty, no opportunities to sit, after the security check. No smoking in the entire airport. Unfriendly women at the "service" no labeling.
Check in was quick and smooth. The security check went through quickly. Staff everywhere very friendly. After the security check, you arrive at a refurbished section with duty free and ample seating for the many passengers. Of course it is not so clean compared to Frankfurt, for example, but definitely not as bad as it is often described here. The unrenovated toilets before check in and co are of course getting old and would need a refurbishment, but you are not in urine or anything else.
Positive: 0.5l of water in duty free costs 50ct, compared with Frankfurt (about 2.50 ) very cheap.
As of 18.5.19
Too bad that you have to award 1 star yes, I forgive the Duty Free area. The only part of the airport that arrived in 2019 .... the rest is ancient, which would not be bad if it were at least clean.
The worst are, as often described here, the toilets ... dirty, no paper, hooks all broken off, so you have to do acrobatic exercises with his hand luggage, because on the dirt floor certainly no one wants to turn off something. Last but not least, the conditioner does not really work. Unbelievable that you have to find something like this in a European country today.
btw I rate here ONLY the airport. Rest of Crete was all great
Terrible airport. Dirty and unorganized. Staff members are not service oriented in any way. Most of the time they are overchallanged.
Luggage is not transported to the XRay by the carriers. So in comparison to western airports the waiting time is longer. Regardless of the lax security.
It is a shame that the city has a KTEL jewelry and its entrance for visitors to be an incredibly dirty airport !!
In the plane you are asked to leave row by row. Then everyone is squeezed into a bus. At the airport itself in a row close together. There is also no sign of social distancing when handing over the suitcase. The only thing that works in times of Corona is wearing masks.
The dirtiest, smallest and least organized airport I have ever been at, I would definitely pay 100-150 euros next time to land at Chania airport instead.
Worst experience ever: Toilets destroyed (no keys to lock doors, no paper, water fossets broken for 4 out of 5 , cleaning staff absent and the only thing still working are the duty free... Avoid it if possible... Where is Fraport in this airport??? Why do we pay airport taxes? Where are the quality and hygiene controls?
Nice airport, just a pity that if you are a eu traveler you can not buy cigarettes and perfume tax free
It is very close to the center and well connected. Many rentals outside. Inside two / three refreshment facilities, sporzizia everywhere, especially where passengers stop waiting for the flight, dirty bathrooms without the minimum services, missing toilet paper, proactive cleaning staff, luggage check staff, unfriendly and very sarcastic, while the boarding staff are attentive and efficient
A GREAT BORDEL!
No one is friendly at this airport. The boarding gates are tiny. You spend hours standing piled up. And then the best thing is that you buy a sandwich 6 euros cheese, ham, salad the day before, see, before the eve. We realized this too late. In the plane unfortunately, the salad was black, the ham all hard. We have avoided food poisoning. Pay attention!!
For an international airport more like bad. Sanitary facilities in the morning at 7 already dirty. Unfriendly staff
heraklion-airport.info