The Council of State rejected the appeal that had been filed against the siting of the air navigation systems on Papoura hill of the new Heraklion airport in Crete, putting an end to a significant pending issue for the project of GEK TERNA and India’s GMR Airports.
The appeal had been filed by the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, requesting the annulment of the decisions of the Ministries of Culture and Infrastructure regarding the possibility of installing the required air navigation systems (radars) on Papoura hill.
The legal dispute concerned the proximity of the planned facilities to the important Minoan monument that has been identified on the hill, with the local side requesting a different siting and the government insisting that this specific location is necessary for the safe operation of the airport.
It is emphasized that the Central Archaeological Council (KAS) gave a positive opinion in July 2025 for the installation of radars for the new airport at the specific location.
The project at 75%
With the overall construction progress of the project having reached 75%, the risk of a new delay is receding, as the decision brings closer the target of the airport beginning operations in November 2028.
Meanwhile, the Municipality of Minoa Pediada appears determined to continue the battle to prevent the installation of the radars on the hill.
Mayor Vasilis Kegeroglou said yesterday that they are awaiting the final written version of the Council of State’s decision and the reasoning for the rejection of the appeal. He added that there is the possibility of an appeal to the European Court, which is expected to be made by citizens.
Legal circles, however, estimate that whatever next appeal is prepared will be weakened because of the decision of the country’s highest administrative court of cassation.
It is noted that the construction of the airport is being carried out 100% by TERNA, which participates in the concession consortium with 32.46%. In the same consortium, the share of India’s GMR Airports amounts to 21.64% and that of the Greek State to 45.9%.