Europe's Worst Airport. Garbage Quality Heraklion Airport in Sunny Crete, Greece. Crowded, Hot, OLD!

[@DimitrisSartzetakis]

Agreed as a local. We can’t wait for the new one!

[@EddGinza]

With The money from the tax payer from EU. After 5 years the new Airport looks like the old one 😂

[@DimitrisSartzetakis]

@@EddGinza all infrastructure works in the EU are partially monetized by the union. Every member country is allocated money for such things

[@EddGinza]

@@DimitrisSartzetakis The problem is that your Greek government is investing the annual billions of euros in EU subsidies somewhere, but not where they are needed. With 10 million inhabitants and the largest amount of EU subsidies paid out, the state of the country is simply unbelievable. Look at the buses, it has nothing to do with the age of the airport.

[@move2227]

While I admire your impeccable standards, I have to say that this airport looks good compared to some of the rubbish I've encountered in my travels.

[@swissclimber1]

You may be true. I'm at 70 countries including Peru, Nicaragua, Colombia, Pakistan, Myanmar and I haven't seen but a few that are as bad as this one. Which ones would you say are bad? Please note that I didn't say this airport is World's Worst, I just banner it Europe's worst

[@ChronosHellas]

@@swissclimber1 Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, France. Luton Airport, United Kingdom. Manchester Airport, United Kingdom. Berlin Willy-Brandt International Airport. But no the airport on an island is the worse 🤦🏻‍♂️. Get a grip buddy.

[@Em-Fa]

I've been to HER this summer, and i must say i've never seen a worse airport. Extremely overcrowded, old, and you reminded me of the loud announcements!!

[@swissclimber1]

I'm happy you agree with me. It's hard to believe that some people didn't find HER a horrible airport. On the contrary, they thought is was OK. The more views this video gets the more the HER airport authorities and Greek State will improve this Crappy airport

[@EngelsAviation]

if u dont like it dont ever come back again ! the best for spotters !!!!

[@EddGinza]

Greeks always cry 😂

[@EngelsAviation]

@@EddGinza cry laughing ;)

[@alexsmith2766]

Bad title, airport doesnt look that bad at all... You're in an island not mainland and you're complaining?

[@swissclimber1]

Who said I'm complaining? If an airport is good, great, awful, etc., I call a spade a spade. It's immaterial to me if it's good or bad. I just observe, assess and then comment/judge what my eyes see. Have you experienced this airport? Please ask someone who has gone through this airport their experience. Singapore is an island and not a mainland. Yet they have a fantastic airport. Whether island or mainland geography has no impact on whether an airport is great or not

[@alexsmith2766]

@@swissclimber1 Singapore's airport is in mainland.. Mainland doesn't mean that the country is not an island, it simply means that this is where the main territories are.... You're comparing an airport in a small territory that is outside the mainland of Greece to MAINLAND Singapore's airport.. Iceland is an island too, but their airport is in mainland... That's not apples vs apples comparison.. Compare Athens airport with Singapore airport.. And I'm not saying Athens airport is better, I'm saying that's an apple vs apple comparison. Here is the definition of mainland: a large continuous extent of land that includes the greater part of a country as opposed to offshore islands and detached territories.

[@ZRHTrainspotter]

I went to this airport multiple times and i agree with you, it sucks! But Crete and Greece itself are beautiful

[@swissclimber1]

Thanks for your agreement. We have some how feel HER is a palace, a castle fit for a king, etc. I agree, Crete is beautiful but if something sucks, it sucks. And HER = Sucks!

[@johntoner839]

Just back from Crete Airport shocking No excuse for dirt and filth Small island doesn’t cut it 😂

[@swissclimber1]

@@johntoner839 Thanks for comments. Some commenters think my review is delusional and HER is better than Doha or Singapore Changi airport

[@XTRADERXNYC]

And you went to 3rd world nations where there no running water or electricity but the airport in Greece disappointed you 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@Mon_Scotland]

I had this EXACT experience when flying from Heraklion to Edinburgh

[@swissclimber1]

@@Mon_Scotland Thanks for comments. You can’t believe some comments that think this airport isn’t all that bad. They must be smoking DOPE

[@Mon_Scotland]

@@swissclimber1 yeah I’ve been there and it’s exactly how it’s described online

[@arisdr6504]

The majority of people think this is the worst airport. They write ✍️ bad reviews about it on Google Maps.

[@XTRADERXNYC]

Don’t get it what’s wrong with this airport? Isn’t an island?

[@DimitrisSartzetakis]

It’s the airport serving the 4th largest city in Greece and is absolutely horrendous. You must visit during the summer and see for yourself. At least a new one is under construction

[@DimitrisSartzetakis]

And fyi other island airports in Greece even in the nearby city of Chania are way way better than this

[@XTRADERXNYC]

@@DimitrisSartzetakis before I take you to school what countries have you visited?

[@XTRADERXNYC]

@@DimitrisSartzetakis by the way, why do you seem so mad?

[@XTRADERXNYC]

OK now I know why you’re mad almost all the comments are telling you that you’re exaggerating or something of that sort so you’re all worked up. It’s the Internet Bro everybody has different opinions.🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@alexsmith2766]

what a massive exaggeration in your title.

[@swissclimber1]

If what you say is true, name me one airport that is worse in Europe than Heraklion!

[@aviation_dude3238]

Luton, Luton is crowded and has the worst security and boarding system. I waited 3 hours just to board a 50 minute flight! For no reason!

[@swissclimber1]

@@aviation_dude3238 I will check the airport out on YT. @alexsmith2766 thinks HER isn’t a terrible EU airport. I have to see Luton

[@aviation_dude3238]

@@swissclimber1if you make video about it then give me a shout out

[@iordanispavlidis7764]

Κι εμείς έχουμε περάσει από αρκετά ευρωπαϊκα αεροδρόμια όπου η έλλειψη οργάνωσης, η ταλαιπωρία και η βρωμιά στις τουαλέτες μας έκαναν να τα σιχαθούμε. Ωστόσο, δε τα σχολιάσαμε. Δε σας φέραμε με το ζόρι στη χώρα μας. Αν δε σας αρέσει κάτι, μην ξανάρθετε.

[@swissclimber1]

Δηλαδή θα πρέπει να το βουλώσουμε και να αποδεχτούμε τις μέτριες και χαμηλής ποιότητας κυβερνητικές υπηρεσίες και προϊόντα; Πάω στοίχημα ότι είναι βίντεο σαν αυτά που οι κυβερνήσεις βλέπουν και ντρέπονται και κάνουν κάτι γι' αυτά. Αλλά υποθέτω ότι έχετε δίκιο, το αεροδρόμιο Ηρακλείου είναι το καλύτερο αεροδρόμιο στον κόσμο με τις πιο σύγχρονες εγκαταστάσεις οπουδήποτε. Αν θέλετε να ζείτε σε έναν παραληρηματικό κόσμο, συνεχίστε να ονειρεύεστε. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

[@iordanispavlidis7764]

@@swissclimber1 Εμείς οι Έλληνες έχουμε το δικαίωμα να σχολιάζουμε τα κακώς κείμενα της χώρας μας. Το δικαίωμα αυτό δεν το αναγνωρίζουμε στους ξένους.

[@nikolaosmizas2492]

@@iordanispavlidis7764Ωραία λοιπόν, ως Έλληνας το σχολιάζω εγώ! Χειρότερο αεροδρομιο από αυτό του Ηρακλείου δεν έχω δει ούτε στη Λατινική Αμερική όπου και έμεινα. Βρωμια ως εκεί που δεν πάει, απαρχαιωμένες εγκαταστάσεις, μηδαμινό πάρκινγκ και τουαλέτες-οι μισές εκ των οποίων είναι η βουλωμένες η δεν λειτουργούν. Ένα ΜΠΑΧΑΛΟ με την όλη σημασία της λέξεως!

[@tigerlilly5232]

Sorry but the poster is correct, this airport is awful, even the locals (well not you) agree

[@_.twixxx]

Overall, although it is very crowded and is running way beyond its capacity size, I think that the airport itself isn't bad at all, and is actually pretty good, despite the limited options there. You need to remember that you're on a small island, although it is the largest island of Greece, and that there's limited space and they can only do so much with it. Yes, there are pros and cons, but I think that the pros outweigh the cons. I've flown to this airport many times, so I might have some sort of favoritism towards it, but overall, HER isn't that bad, compared to many other airports in Greece or around the world! Luckily though, you will get your nice Kastelli Airport in a couple of years, which will get rid of your entitledness on how you want your airport to be!

[@swissclimber1]

Kastelli Airport is eagerly awaited by travelers who should be welcomed and depart from a quality facility worthy of the quality of Crete itself. HER is a terrible reflection on the greatness of Crete

[@whyismaltehere]

I have been to Crete twice and going for the third time this year to the same place. We always fly to and from Heraklion airport. And I have to say, I can agree with you. The first time we were there it was very decent and I did not have any major complaints. But, the last time, it was very hot, poorly organized, crowded and had a smell of piss all over it. I wish they would step up.

[@frankieepurr]

Funny, despite the lots of reviews, when we waited here at night in August, the AC seemed to be working perfectly fine

[@swissclimber1]

@@frankieepurr what time were you at the terminal?

[@frankieepurr]

@swissclimber1 arrived about 10-11PM

[@Florizk]

It ain't the beste, but the people are doing what they can. Stop bitching,or pick chania next time

[@XTRADERXNYC]

The jealousy is unreal. This man travels to 3rd world countries and complains about 1 of Crete’s airports 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤭🤭🤭🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@declanbyrne3065]

nothing wrong with the airport , been in the old and new 14 times ☘🍀

[@blackyellowred2000]

To swissclimber1 : I've travelled several times to Crete and via Heraklion International Airport and at my point of view, you are wrong ! Now if you're not happy, you should stay in your home ! ! !

[@Mummabear543]

Sorry I disagree. I've been to Crete three times and never had a problem. Beautiful kind people ❤️ and coming back in May to say yia sou 🎉😊😊

[@ypruss]

Great airport nice social interaction beautiful vintage scenery

[@stevehathaway4715]

Well, yes, its crowded and an airport you probably just wanna use to embark and disembark from your flight. Thats because lots of tourists heading to Kreta. Tip: Eat and drink before heading to this airport. Just be there no longer then needed. Thats definitely NOT like Changi airport but if you know this, you may lower your expectations accordingly before heading to Kreta.

[@swissclimber1]

@@stevehathaway4715 Good tips. The airport fortunately will be put out of its misery with the new airport

[@sindilu445q]

To ako vážne? My letíme z Heraklionu o pár dní

[@Deductive]

Με κράζεις? Με Θαυμάζεις.

[@cth1287]

Fortunately it is just ONE day of your holiday isn't it?

[@swissclimber1]

True. However, it's also the first and last impression of a place. Good that there will be a new airport built in the next years

[@carolf]

Actually this does not even touch on the hideousness of this airport. Unless you have been there, best not to comment. Millions spent essentially on a new duty-free. Female toilets without locks on doors, no soap dispensers. Passengers waiting airside for too long with the high decibels of departing aircraft surely damaging the ears of babies/children. How this airport will cope with the introduction of EES in the coming months? Staff generally are harrassed but probably not valued and definitely not customer-oriented. Shame as so not Cretan. BTW I use this airport 4-5 times per year. Suggest routing through Athens and using Sitia in the east if travelling from Elounda eastwards for a less stressful and more pleasant experience . Sure there are worse places but this is a major holiday destination!!😢

[@swissclimber1]

Thanks for your real experience and commentary. You can't imagine the delusional haters who think HER is not a bad/horrible airport. I'll take it that you agree with me that it's Europe's Worst Airport + It's Garbage Quality?

[@carolf]

According to Holidou, a booking portal, Heraklion has now been rated the worst airport in Europe so I think your views are vindicated. However. It is almost bearable in January! I am not holding my breath for the opening if Kastelli Airport within my lifetime either!

[@corinevandijk1543]

LOL! Tomorrow I’m flying to this worst airport , not for the first time anyway. I think I’m gonna miss this airport when the new airport has been put into use.

[@swissclimber1]

Even an ugly duckling has a charm. If it wasn’t so busy the airport would be fine

[@Florizk]

I just cant get the fact people are stressing about this airport. For me this is me most fun place to see all the people's stress,and for what? Just because it's old? It works just fine. Try yourself to handle a understaffed airport. 😂

[@georgegeorgakopoulos5956]

If you survived the ride to the airport,you are just fine, regards

[@swissclimber1]

Fantastic island, horrible airport. I survived.

[@Kerys23a]

Flying there to spend my birthday with my long distance girlfriend in October can't wait

[@swissclimber1]

@@Kerys23a Great. Happy to give you some tips on great and not so great hotels and opinions on places. I have a few YT of hotels on Crete

[@Kerys23a]

@@swissclimber1 Don't need a hotel my girlfriend lives there and I'm staying with her but thank you anyway

[@ND-wp4qk]

I would not say it is worst airport but it definitely is not great. Organisation is a bit of a joke but the staff from airport and airlines were fine. It is definitely not good for space and the toilets were awful

[@XTRADERXNYC]

Just saw this vid again. As stressed as you seem to be, all the tourists are very calm and relaxed. Why aren’t you?!

[@swissclimber1]

I was stressed because most passengers were. Who could blame them - it was hot, crowded, horribly lit, chaotic, etc. Passengers were stressed trying to get the hell out of the bad airport. Lima Peru, Chișinău Moldova, and Tallinn Estonia as example were great vs Crete. I’m taking a survey all Greeks. Be honest. Is Heraklion a horrible or great airport ?

[@XTRADERXNYC]

@@swissclimber1 let’s talk about Lima, Peru! I’ve been there a handful of times. Have you ever been selected for baggage search? Let’s go through the list one by one

[@XTRADERXNYC]

@@swissclimber1 watch your own video again. Almost all the tourists seemed relaxed. Did you upload the wrong video maybe ?

[@XTRADERXNYC]

@@swissclimber1 in 2009 when I landed in Lima, I had 4 cameras with me because I’m into photography. The airport confiscated 1 camera and it took me 7 hours of arguing, being threatened, being threatened with arrest and cursed at. Finally a high ranking officer who was off-duty who also was apologetic and seemed to be embarrassed resolved the entire issue. I wonder how this story would’ve ended up had it not been for the gentleman who helped me

[@gidoras]

@@swissclimber1 Άμα είσαι έτσι δύστροπος και στα ερωτικά σου πραγματικά σε λυπάμαι!!!!

[@johnpaizis4809]

They are currently building a new one to replace this one in Kastelli. this will close in the next couple of years and will be fully replaced.

[@swissclimber1]

Yes that is true. HER still is the worst airport in the EU

[@taldakos]

Exactly!

[@ChronosHellas]

@@swissclimber1So miserable, can’t you find anything better to do with your life other than complaining like a child? I bet your like to dislike ratio wouldn’t look that good.

[@henrietta1066]

Devastated hugest farm land cut down 150.000 olive trees & left a dust ar3a.

[@smashbrew2039]

There is no excuse for this

[@minasiakovidis1851]

swissclimber1 who are you? And who pays you?

[@swissclimber1]

I am an independent journalist who believes in freedom, the right to say what one thinks, and thank goodness nobody pays me to do this

[@minasiakovidis1851]

@@swissclimber1 do you have a name and a surname? And if nobody pays you, as you say, how do you traver all around to do this kind of reports?

[@manostheocharopoulos8421]

It is run by the Greek state so that explains everything.

[@swissclimber1]

Yes - few things work well once Big Government gets involved

[@bobcraycraft7195]

First world problems. Talk about entitled.

[@swissclimber1]

Lucky 3rd World. Most have better airports than this one

[@crayzeedayzee]

Try Cancun!😂😂😂😂

[@swissclimber1]

Do you mean Cancun airport sucks or go to Cancun because the airport is better?

[@PG-cl4lr]

I was last year at this airport , it was ok not so bad 😊

[@swissclimber1]

OK. What time did you fly in and out? Is there a worse airport in EU ?

[@PG-cl4lr]

@@swissclimber1 Last July . If it’s the worst I can’t tell that because I have not been in every airport in Europe 😅 But it was ok like every small airport in a small city .

[@nikolaosmizas2492]

@@swissclimber1​​⁠you should’ve seen it before the mini expansion and refurbishment of 2018. It was literally like an abandoned bus terminal from the 1970s. The entire departure section overlooking the apron and runway, including the new Duty Free area didn’t exist at all. Half the toilets weren’t operational including the sinks, many stalls didn’t have toilet paper, the two-three cafes/restaurants were closed. There was trash everywhere. It was like a place out of a science fiction movie. There were even stray cats walking around the ticket counters. And to think I flew out of there in December! So mate, I know it’s a terrible airport by all means, but trust me, what you are showing me now is an improvement!

[@Zabroshki_427]

Я там был и я с вами полностью согласен

[@swissclimber1]

Maybe you have low expectations for European infrastructure. Last time I checked Europe was not a 3rd world country like Peru or India.

[@kapix_6013]

Bro never was on Paris Beavuis

[@mrtannguyen1122]

The Mogadishu, Somalia airport is much worse.

[@swissclimber1]

True. But Greece is in Europe - the Continent that is elitist, arrogant and where the people think they are better than all.

[@mrtannguyen1122]

@@swissclimber1 The Somalia reference was a joke but I made that comment before I went to Crete- The Heraklion airport is very outdated, it reminded of the Medellin, Colombia airport- Definitely Third World standards, the worst thing about it were the restrooms, very dirty and filthy.

[@TerryGiliam]

Bro u never seen bad airport ..this is ok

[@swissclimber1]

So what airport that's bad that you have seen?