Shops, public services and local groups on the Greek island of Chios are holding a shutdown and a protest rally on Monday against the planned four-month closure of the island's airport, the Greek newspapers Efsyn and Proto Thema reported. The municipal council had unanimously called for the island-wide shutdown, News247 reported.

Greece's civil aviation authority will close Chios airport, known as Omiros, from November 15, 2026, to March 15, 2027, so its runway can be extended and rebuilt, News247, Efsyn and The Independent reported. The Independent said the longer runway, at 1,799 meters, will be able to take larger planes.

Efsyn said the authority accepted a proposal from the construction company. The Independent said the government had first planned to close the airport on January 15, about two months later than now planned.

Shops and restaurants were to close from 11 in the morning to 3 in the afternoon local time, and public sector workers were to stop work at 11:30 in the morning, Efsyn reported. A rally was set for noon in the main square, Efsyn and Proto Thema reported.

Island officials have called the closure "economic strangulation" and said there was no official consultation with the community, The Independent reported. The head of the island's chamber of commerce said the closure would hurt the economy, especially over Christmas and New Year, when people have planned trips and medical visits, The Independent reported.

Many on the island doubt the work will finish on time, Efsyn reported. The newspaper said the contractor has received a 690,000-euro bonus for early delivery, including sales tax, since 2023 for work that is still not finished.

Island representatives plan a protest in Athens on Tuesday, News247 reported. Doctors, lawyers, teachers and parents' groups on the island backed the protest, Proto Thema reported.

Emergency flights, such as medical evacuations, will use helicopters during the work, The Independent reported. The airport mainly serves domestic flights to and from Athens and Thessaloniki, The Independent said.

Protesters say they support upgrading the airport but want the schedule reviewed so the island keeps air service during the work, Efsyn reported.

What we know: Chios airport is set to close from November 15 to March 15 for runway work, and the island is protesting the plan on Monday.
What we don't: Whether the government will change the schedule or keep some flights running.