Flights from Chania are a smart pick for island ease with broad European reach. The airport managed over 3.6 million passengers in 2023 and operates a single terminal, simplifying both domestic and international departures across busy summer months and the quieter shoulder seasons.
You can reach the mainland quickly for work or family, or access top city break hubs across Europe. Nonstop flights to Athens take about 55 minutes, Thessaloniki about 1 hour 15 minutes, and seasonal routes reach cities like London in roughly 4 hours 5 minutes and Berlin in about 3 hours 5 minutes, times may change. This variety makes cheap flights from Chania ideal for both quick weekend trips and longer getaways.
Chania International sits on the Akrotiri peninsula near Souda Bay, around 14 kilometers east of town. Its location combines accessibility with a calmer atmosphere, ensuring straightforward travel even at peak times. As the western Crete airport in Greece, it offers an impressive network and flexibility, whether you are booking a last minute escape or planning a multi city trip with ease.
Travelers launch from Chania to a wide range of destinations, reaching culture filled capitals, desirable beach cities, and Nordic gateways.
Short haul trips to Athens and Thessaloniki are staples year round, with multiple flight options, making them convenient for onward connections or quick visits. In summer, city breaks to the United Kingdom and Ireland are top choices: London Gatwick offers daily seasonal flights around 4 hours 5 minutes, while cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, and Dublin feature regular seasonal service, all times subject to change. Discover London and Dublin easily from Crete via London or Dublin.
Northern Europe flights thrive each summer with strong leisure demand and family connections: Copenhagen, Oslo, Stockholm, and Helsinki all have direct connections from Chania, travel times between 3 and 4 hours, subject to adjustments. Major Western and Central Europe options include Paris Orly, Amsterdam, Vienna, Prague, Berlin, Luxembourg, Brussels, and Birmingham, with flight times ranging roughly 2.5 to 4.5 hours, examples may vary. Stockholm and similar hubs are favorite picks for simple Scandinavia to Crete trips.
If you are planning a return home or a European capital adventure, Chania has a strong lineup throughout spring to autumn.
Travel from Chania is seasonal, with fare peaks in July and August, but more availability and lower prices in spring and autumn.
Aim for travel in April, May, September, or October for softer pricing and fewer crowds, though details can shift year by year. For most Europe short hauls, booking four to six weeks in advance balances price with selection, while peak summer tickets generally reward locking in earlier. Departing midweek often costs less than Friday or Sunday.
Let Kiwi.com do the tracking⎯use Price Alert to catch fare changes instantly. You can refine results using Travel Hacks filters or plan complex trips with the Nomad Search Tool, linking cities like Chania, Vienna, Amsterdam, and London in one sequence. Summer fares move erratically, so if you have fixed dates, purchase when your target price appears. Otherwise, flexible travelers can craft open jaw returns via a separate city, subject to capacity and airline rules.
Consider mixing one way flights or alternative airports for the best deal, especially when combining multiple cities or looking for last minute bargains.
There is one main airport in Chania, making choice simple. Here is what to expect on-site and which airlines you can choose for your itinerary.
Chania International Airport Ioannis Daskalogiannis (IATA CHQ, ICAO LGSA) is located on the Akrotiri peninsula near Souda Bay, about 14 kilometers from the city. Its single terminal and single runway keep queues and navigation efficient most of the year. Transportation options include taxis, prebooked transfers, car rentals, and public buses with service varying by season and time, subject to change. Allow extra time in peak season when roads may be busier.
Airlines from Chania cover both low cost like Ryanair and full service such as Austrian Airlines and Aegean, connecting to various city pairs, schedules subject to adjustments. Kiwi.com’s Virtual Interlining lets you combine unlinked airlines on a single ticket, broadening your options. If changes disrupt your plan, adding the Kiwi.com Guarantee means help with check in and 24 by 7 chat support. You are also covered by Disruption Protection with Kiwi.com credit or airline refund help if needed, in line with the statement on each linked page.