The relocation of heraclion international airport. A holistic environmental approach

Abstract

The accelerated development of the touristic industry and consequently the increased touristic flows towards the greater area of the city of Heraklion in the island of Crete (Greece), as well as the needs of the increased local population and the related economic activities have introduced the necessity for a new, contemporary international airport. The existing "Nikos Kazantzakis" airport, located almost within the urban area, cannot serve the day-by-day increase of air traffic, while its infrastructures are rather outdated and its capacity limited. Recently a relocation program has been investigated, proposing a new site for the airport, at the area of Kasteli, located 37 Km southeast of the city. The new International Airport will be located in a rather rural environment, currently characterized by agricultural activities. The relocation will provide the rural area with a new, modern motorway network, connecting the new airport facilities with the city of Heraklion and the rest of the island. Furthermore, this relocation will reduce the levels of both air pollution and environmental noise in the urban area of Heraklion, while the expected levels of air pollution and environmental noise at Kasteli are expected to comply with the relevant EU limits. Since the nuisance to the people and the environment from big infrastructures cannot be isolated, this paper aims to present a holistic approach, covering both the positive and the negative effects that this relocation is expected to introduce in both areas.