The refurbishment of the airport includes: the new departure area covering a surface of   2.895 m² on the ground floor and 585 m² on the sheltered area of the basement; eleven departure gates, nine at the ground floor and 2 at the first floor. The old departure areas were restored, approximately 8.000 m², and new duty free shops were created covering a surface of 2.054 m².   

Following the refurbishment of the airport, all commercial areas of the duty free shops were relocated from the first floor to the ground floor of the building, without changing the size of the total surface. The shops were designed on the basis of the walk through concept, ensuring that passengers shall be walking through the shops.  This is the most recent reconstruction of shops and it is part of its broader worldwide plan to offer its customers a “World Class” experience.   

Every commercial area operated by Dufry, worldwide, is designed to reflect the local culture and flagship qualities. The same occurs for the new airport shops which offer travelers a wide selection of duty free and duty paid products, and more precisely, traditional Greek food products, alcohol and spirits, tobacco products, as well as a large collection of luxurious products and accessories, renowned perfumes and cosmetics; on top of all this, the warmest Cretan welcoming and the very characteristic local touches.   

At a strategic location within the Hellenic Duty Free Shops Cellar (Cava), the specially designed Hellenic gourmet is presented, offering travelers a last taste of Greece; a considerable area is occupied by the world famous Cretan food and beverage products. The company placed great attention to the salespersons’ training so they know their products and feel proud of the Greek produce. Passengers have the opportunity to taste some products before they travel, since, on a daily basis, some “treat” is offered to them. Hellenic Duty Free Shops and its new shops create a unique, exciting shopping environment for millions of passengers who visit, every year.

In 2018, it is estimated that 8 million passengers shall be served, 4 million outbound and 4 million inbound.

In his speech, CEO of Hellenic Duty Free Shops S.A. Mr. George Velentzas, stated: “This whole investment undertaken by our Company was realized in 165 days and constituted the successful expression of the partnership of a private initiative with the Greek State benefiting both sides.  In other terms: Private initiative in the benefit of the Greek State. We shall not end here, we shall move on to more investments”.