Heraklion Port Authority S.A. and Heraklion International Airport of Crete S.A. signed a Memorandum of Strategic Cooperation on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, laying the foundations for systematic and meaningful cooperation between two key infrastructure assets of strategic importance to Crete.
The Memorandum was signed by Mr. Minas Papadakis, CEO of Heraklion Port Authority S.A., and Mr. Nikos Anastasiou, CEO of Heraklion International Airport of Crete S.A.
The cooperation focuses on leveraging the complementary strengths of the port and the airport, with the aim of strengthening air sea connectivity, further developing the cruise sector and homeporting activity, and creating new opportunities to support the tourism and wider economic development of Heraklion and Crete.
At the same time, the cooperation framework creates opportunities for joint initiatives, the exchange of knowledge and expertise, coordinated participation in international markets and industry events, as well as the exploration of broader synergies in the fields of transport, supply chains and cargo flows.
Mr. Nikos Anastasiou, CEO of Heraklion International Airport of Crete S.A., stated:
“The new airport and the Port of Heraklion will be key drivers of Crete’s development over the coming decades. The synergies that can be created in both the cruise sector and logistics have the potential to generate significant multiplier benefits for the local community and the island’s economic growth. Enhancing the overall passenger experience through integrated services, while also enabling exporters and importers to move goods quickly and safely through combined transport solutions, should be our shared objective.”
Mr. Minas Papadakis, CEO of Heraklion Port Authority S.A., stated:
“Heraklion’s next chapter requires us to move beyond viewing the port and the airport as two separate infrastructures and to start seeing them as complementary gateways within a single, modern transport and tourism ecosystem. Our strategic ambition is clear: to strengthen Heraklion’s position as a leading cruise and homeporting hub in the Eastern Mediterranean, while at the same time creating the conditions for new synergies that enhance Crete’s connectivity, international reach and competitiveness. This Memorandum is
not simply a cooperation agreement, it is the starting point for jointly shaping the next chapter in the destination’s connectivity.”
The signing of the Memorandum reflects the shared strategic vision of the two organisations that closer integration between Heraklion’s principal gateways can make a meaningful contribution to strengthening the destination’s competitiveness and international profile.
Through this new partnership, Heraklion Port Authority S.A. and Heraklion International Airport of Crete S.A. are establishing a solid framework for coordination and joint action, with a clear focus on creating added value for Heraklion, Crete and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region.
