Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport

LGIR / HER

Heraklion, GR

Last Updated
Apr 22, 21:20Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Recent 32 min ago
21:20Z

🌙 Night
VFR
Flight Rules
16°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 13°C
7 kt
170°
10+ km
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1011 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR LGIR 222120Z 17007KT 9999 FEW020 16/13 Q1011 NOSIG

Clouds - Visual Profile

12,000ft
9,000ft
6,000ft
3,000ft
Ground
Field Elev: 115 ft
FEW 2,000 ft AGL
🌤️
FEW
Few (1/8-2/8 sky coverage)
2,000 ft
AGL (Above Ground)
2,115 ft AMSL

Weather Briefing

VFR

Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with few clouds at 2,000 feet and 10 miles or greater visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the south (170°) at 7 knots. Runway 18/36 is favored with a 7-knot headwind and 1-knot crosswind component.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is unrestricted. No ceiling exists. Cloud layers reported: few at 2,000 ft.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 16°C (61°F) with a dewpoint of 13°C. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread suggests high humidity and potential for visibility restrictions, especially during cooling periods.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. Conditions are expected to fluctuate between VFR and MVFR. VFR pilots should be prepared for deteriorating conditions. Expected weather includes: Rain. There is a 30% probability of MVFR conditions with Rain between 09:00Z and 18:00Z.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours. The forecast indicates conditions may deteriorate. Ensure you have fuel reserves and a viable alternate airport.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

QNH
1011 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1007 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (115 ft)
Pressure Alt
183 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 331 ft
ISA Deviation: +1.2°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF LGIR 221700Z 2218/2318 05010KT 9999 FEW020 BECMG 2219/2221 18010KT BECMG 2306/2308 33015KT BKN020 BECMG 2309/2311 03012KT PROB30 TEMPO 2309/2318 5000 RA FEW018TCU BKN020
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
21:51Z BASE
+0h
VFR 50° 10 kt
Visibility: 10+ km
06:00Z BECMG
+9h
MVFR 330° 15 kt
Ceiling: 2,000 ft
09:00Z BECMG
+12h
VFR 30° 12 kt
09:00Z PROB30 TEMPO
+12h
MVFR
Visibility: 5 km
Ceiling: 2,000 ft
Rain

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
GIR
09
27
12
30
18 ✈️
36

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
09/27 8,904 ft 148 ft ASP 95°
1.8 kt 6.8 kt
75° angle
12/30 5,138 ft 164 ft ASP 126°
5.0 kt 4.9 kt
44° angle
✈️ 18/36
Active: 18
2,559 ft 131 ft ASP 180°
6.9 kt 1.2 kt
10° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - LGIR

9,804 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
84.4%
MVFR
15.3%
IFR
0.3%
LIFR
0.1%

Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport enjoys predominantly VFR conditions, with visual flight rules prevailing 84.4% of the time. Prevailing winds are from the S averaging 9.9 knots, with gusts recorded up to 37 knots. Temperatures typically range between 3°C and 32°C with an average of 16.9°C. The best months for VFR flying are September, October, November.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: S (180°)
Average Speed: 9.9 kt
Maximum Recorded: 37 kt
Calm Winds: 1.4%
Direction Distribution:
N
13%
NE
3.5%
E
1.9%
SE
3%
S
40.2%
SW
6%
W
7%
NW
23.9%

Temperature Range

Average: 16.9°C
Range: 3°C to 32°C
3°C 32°C

Visibility

Average: 10 SM
Below 3 SM: 0%
Fog Frequency: 0%

Best Months for VFR

September October November

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 09/27
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 7.9 kt
Runway 12/30
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 6 kt
Runway 18/36
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 4.5 kt

Statistics computed from 9,804 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: LGIR
IATA Code: HER
Type: large airport
Status: active
Elevation: 115 ft MSL

Location

City: Heraklion
Country: GR
Latitude: 35.339699°
Longitude: 25.180300°
Time Zone: Europe/Athens

Runway Information

Runway 09/27
Length: 8,904 ft
Width: 148 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 12/30
Length: 5,138 ft
Width: 164 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 18/36
Length: 2,559 ft
Width: 131 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport

Overview

Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport serves as the primary aviation gateway to Crete, Greece's largest island. Located at coordinates 35.339699, 25.180300, the airport is positioned to support both commercial passenger and cargo operations. With an elevation of 115 feet above mean sea level, the airport facilitates air transportation for the region of Heraklion.

Flying Conditions

The airport features three asphalt runways with varying lengths, providing operational flexibility across different wind conditions. Runway 09/27 offers the longest surface at 8,904 feet, while the shortest runway 18/36 measures 2,559 feet. Pilots should anticipate Mediterranean coastal weather patterns, which typically include clear conditions but can experience seasonal wind variations.

Notable Features

Situated on the northern coast of Crete, the airport's terrain is relatively flat with mild coastal topography. The multiple runway configuration allows for diverse approach and departure options depending on meteorological conditions. The airport's geographical position makes it strategically important for regional and international air traffic in the Aegean region.

Approach Considerations

Runway selection will primarily depend on prevailing wind directions, with the longer 09/27 runway offering the most comprehensive operational capabilities. The presence of three runways provides redundancy and operational flexibility for different aircraft types and meteorological scenarios. Pilots should conduct standard terrain and wind assessments when planning approaches to Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport.

Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.