Chios residents protest four-month Omeros Airport closure

Protests and strikes have erupted on the Greek island of Chios following the decision by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority to close Omeros Airport for four months. The closure is scheduled to run from November 15, 2026, to March 15, 2027, to facilitate the expansion and upgrading of the runway.

Local stakeholders, including the Chios Municipal Council, medical and pharmaceutical associations, and legal groups, have organized demonstrations and work stoppages. Critics argue that the extended closure—which increased from an initial 52-day estimate—will severely impact public health access, student mobility, and the local economy, particularly during the Christmas period.

While the airport will remain available for emergency helicopter services, local authorities are demanding a guaranteed transportation plan to connect the island with mainland Greece. The Chios Municipal Council has issued a unanimous resolution condemning the decision and calling for an immediate reassessment of the timeline.