Cheap Flights to Heraklion International Airport

Heraklion International Airport is the main gateway to Crete, Greece’s largest island and one of the Mediterranean’s most beloved sun-and-sea destinations. From the ancient ruins of Knossos to the beaches of the north coast, HER connects millions of European travelers each year to Crete’s rich blend of history, food, and coastline.

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About Heraklion International Airport (HER)

HER is one of Greece’s busiest airports, handling a huge surge of both scheduled and charter flights during the peak summer tourist season. While domestic connections to Athens run year-round, the airport’s international network expands dramatically from May through September as European carriers add extensive seasonal routes to serve Crete’s massive tourism industry.

Airport code

HER / LGIR

Location

Approximately 5 km east of central Heraklion

Airlines serving

Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, seasonal European charter carriers

Popular Routes to and from Heraklion

HER’s network combines steady domestic Greek service with an extensive seasonal European route map.

Route Type

Popular Connections

Domestic Greece

Athens, Thessaloniki

Seasonal Western Europe

London, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin

Best Time to Book Cheap Flights

For summer travel, booking several months in advance is strongly recommended given the intense seasonal demand. Shoulder season months of April, May, September, and October often provide a better balance of good weather, thinner crowds, and lower airfare compared to the July-August peak.

About Heraklion and Crete

Heraklion is Crete’s capital and largest city, home to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and gateway to the nearby Palace of Knossos, center of ancient Minoan civilization. Beyond the city, Crete offers dramatic mountain gorges, traditional villages, and some of Greece’s most celebrated beaches, making it a year-round draw for history buffs and beach travelers alike.

Things to Know When Flying Into Heraklion

The airport can become extremely crowded during peak summer months, so arrive early for check-in and security.


HER sits close to Heraklion city, but Crete’s other popular areas like Chania and Rethymno require a 1.5 to 2.5 hour drive.


Many international routes to HER operate only seasonally, so off-season travelers may need to connect through Athens.


Car rental is highly recommended for exploring Crete’s beaches, mountain villages, and archaeological sites.

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FAQs — Flights to International Airport

Crete is one of Greece's most popular tourist islands, and HER sees a massive surge in charter and scheduled flights from across Europe during the peak summer season from May through September.

Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, and numerous European charter carriers operate scheduled and seasonal service to Heraklion, alongside domestic connections to Athens.

The airport is located just 5 km (3 miles) east of Heraklion city center, with the popular tourist areas of Chania and Rethymno located roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours away by car.

Athens to Heraklion is the busiest domestic route, while London, Berlin, and Amsterdam rank among the top international routes during the peak summer travel season.

HER operates year-round with domestic Greek service, but its extensive international network expands dramatically in the summer months when seasonal charter and low-cost carrier routes from across Europe are added.

Ready to Book Your Flight to Crete?

Compare live fares to Heraklion International Airport (HER) and start planning your trip to Greece today.

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