Heraklion Airport Signs €105.2 Million Air Navigation Systems Contract
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On Friday, 7 August 2026, a major step toward the operational completion of the new Heraklion International Airport in Kastelli was achieved with the signing of the contract for the supply, installation, integration and commissioning of the airport’s Air Navigation Systems. The agreement was concluded at the construction site between the concession company “Heraklion International Airport Crete” (DAIK) and the consortium Indra Sistemas S.A. – ATESE, in the presence of the leadership of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport and the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority.
The contract represents a decisive technical and operational milestone for one of Greece’s most significant infrastructure projects. It ensures that the new airport will be equipped with state of the art communication, navigation, surveillance and meteorological systems, fully aligned with ICAO, EASA, SES and EUROCONTROL standards. The total value of the contract amounts to €105,219,189.40 including VAT, with a duration of 27 months from the date of signing.
The scope of work covers the full lifecycle of the Air Navigation Systems: design, supply, installation, integration, testing and commissioning, along with all associated works and services. The systems address the complete operational needs of a modern international airport, including communication infrastructure for the Air Traffic Control Tower and Approach, telecommunication stations and transmission/receiving centers, transceivers, navigation and surveillance systems, specialized equipment such as Tower and Approach simulators and runway visual range systems, as well as comprehensive meteorological installations. Delivery includes spare parts, software licenses, tools, technical documentation, training for operational and technical personnel and full project management services.
The signing of the contract reinforces the steady progress of the Kastelli Airport project, which has already reached 76% completion in its construction phase. As one of the largest aviation infrastructure investments in Europe, the new airport is expected to significantly enhance Crete’s connectivity, tourism capacity and economic development, while upgrading Greece’s overall aviation ecosystem.
Indra Sistemas S.A. is one of Europe’s leading technology groups, listed on the IBEX 35 and operating in more than 140 countries. The company specializes in air traffic management, aviation security, radar systems, defense technologies and advanced IT solutions, serving airports and national air navigation authorities worldwide.
ATESE S.A. is a Greek engineering and consulting company with extensive experience in infrastructure design, supervision and implementation, as well as PPP projects and technical support for public authorities. The company participates in major transport and security projects, acting as a strategic partner to international technology groups in high complexity contracts.
Statement by the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Christos Dimas
“Several months ago, in the presence of the Prime Minister, we signed the Air Navigation Agreement and committed to completing the tender process quickly and signing the air navigation contract for the new airport in Kastelli.
Today, this contract has been signed, ensuring that the new Heraklion Airport will be equipped with modern communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management systems, fully aligned with ICAO, EASA, SES and EUROCONTROL standards.
In this way, we ensure that the new airport will be fully operational when the construction phase of the project is completed, which has already reached 76% progress.
I want to emphasize that a great effort has been made by everyone: the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the leadership of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority, the management of the Heraklion International Airport, as well as the Members of Parliament of Crete, local authorities, the Regional Governor and the Mayors, so that we can coordinate effectively and resolve all outstanding issues as quickly as possible, ensuring that the timeline is met.
Our goal remains the same: for the airport in Kastelli to be operational in November 2028.”
