Santorini, Chania and Heraklion airports in world’s 10 worst - Athens’ in European top-10

The airports of Santorini, Chania and Heraklion are among the 10 Worst Airports for Overall Experience 2016 while the Athens Interantional Airport is among the top-10 in Europe, according to sleepinginairports.net.

The website notes that ‘in its annual survey, it asked travellers to rate airports worldwide based on their overall airport experience. They ranked their experiences based on:

Comfort (Rest Zones & Gate Seating)
Services, Facilities & Things to do
Food Options
Immigration/Security
Customer Service
Cleanliness

Regarding the worst airports in the world, it adds that ‘these terminals have the continued capacity to make travellers wonder why they didn’t just stay home. Whether its bathrooms that lack water and toilet paper, or staff who harass and frustrate you, these are not the places you want to find yourself for hours on end. Voters wrote in with endless comments that make cases for why these ten terminals are the absolute worst of the worst. All we can hope is that if you do find yourself here, you come prepared with hand sanitizer, patience, strong bladders and personal entertainment. It could be what saves your sanity!”

The website describes the three worst Greek airports as follows:

Santorini Thira National Airport, Greece (JTR)

santorini airport by vit.spb / Instagram

“Santorini’s Airport broadens our list of Worst Airports in the World to include a few offenders from Europe. Travellers say the big problem with JTR are the lines and the crowds. When you arrive at the airport, you get stuck outside waiting in long lineups under the hot Greek sun, just to access the terminal and ticketing counters! Once you wrangle your way through check-in and security, you’re then forced to wait in small rooms without air conditioning. With a high volume of travellers, the airside waiting areas are often hot, crowded and dirty. The toilets lack much in the way of cleanliness, and the announcements are virtually impossible to decipher. If you do find yourself with a prolonged period of time here, it’s well worth bringing your own snack and seeking out the outdoor terrace. Otherwise, your time here will be fairly intolerable. ( Photo courtesy of vit.spb / Instagram )”

Chania International Airport, Greece (CHQ)

chania airport by 1976reynolds / Instagram

“Greece’s presence on our global worst airports list continues with worn-out Chania International Airport. Long lines and chaotic security processes aggravate travellers immediately upon arrival. Once airside, life hardly improves. With one basic food vendor selling mediocre sandwiches at five times the normal price, you’re unlikely to feel inspired to buy a meal. Chairs too are limited, meaning that you’ll probably be stuck leaning against a wall, or sitting on a less-than-desireable floor. The lack of air conditioning only makes things worse for those who spend ample time here, given that local temperatures are often well over 30 degrees Celsius. ( Photo courtesy of 1976reynolds / Instagram )”

Crete Heraklion International Airport, Greece (HER)

heraklion airport by jantienlievense / Instagram

“Heraklion International Airport on the Greek island of Crete secures the title of seventh worst airport in the world thanks to long lines, crowded gates and no air-conditioning. Sweaty and cramped voters are further distraught by the the exorbitant food prices at one of two restaurants and by the sorry state of the bathrooms. Sadly, the staff do little to ease these grievances. Travellers vent about poor customer service just as much as they complain about the uncomfortable chairs. All in all, a sad way to end a visit to an otherwise delightful island. ( Photo courtesy of jantienlievense / Instagram )“

On the other hand, the website places Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, Greece among the top-10 in Europe and describes it as follows:

Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, Greece (ATH)

athens airport by daskalucky / Instagram

Athens Eleftherios Airport hangs onto its title of one of Europe’s Best Airports thanks to being reliably clean with a pleasant ambiance. This reasonably sized terminal is easy to navigate and has a good number of 24-hour restaurants and coffee shops. The upstairs museum provides a glimpse into Grecian history, and the airport staff are particularly pleasant. While live music on weekends is very appreciated by travellers, the terminal’s music more broadly is contentious. While it’s supposed to be soothing, it is apparently played just loud enough to discourage rest and relaxation. ( Photo courtesy of daskalucky / Instagram )

Airport Services/Facilities: Pay-per-use Lounges ($) • Free WiFi (45 minutes) • 24-Hour Food Options • Luggage Storage ($) • Museum.

The list of the Top 10 Worst Airports in the World based on overall airport experience, as determined by voters in its 2016 Airport Survey includes:

1. Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport, Saudi Arabia (JED)

2. Juba International Airport, South Sudan (JUB)

3. Port Harcourt International Airport, Nigeria (PHC)

4. Tashkent International Airport, Uzbekistan (TAS)

5. Santorini Thira National Airport, Greece (JTR)

6. Chania International Airport, Greece (CHQ)

7. Crete Heraklion International Airport, Greece (HER)

8. Caracas Sim?n Bol?var International Airport, Venezuela (CCS)

9. London Luton International Airport, England (LTN)

10. Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal (KTM)