I flew from 'most miserable airport on the planet' — and can't believe why it's so hated

On a recent jaunt to Crete, Isobel Pankhurst passed through Heraklion Airport, which she was astonished to learn has been branded the worst airport in Europe by disgruntled travellers. If you skim through Google reviews, it's hard not to notice an avalanche of gripes—most vocal during the bustling summer season.

For the Express, reporter Isobel Pankhurst noted that, her journey was in June, thus avoiding school holidays, which might have softened the experience. However, a fellow globe-trotter who graced the place in May didn't mince words, writing: "Worst airport on the planet... extremely rude staff. Nowhere nearly enough seats for the vast amount of passengers. Very stuffy and dirty airport. Staff laugh at you instead of doing their job correctly."

Hot on those heels was another visitor’s feedback from just last week, slamming Heraklion with: "This airport makes Greece feel like a 4th world country. I have been to over 100 airports in myself."

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The user scathingly added: "Never have I seen such a disorganized and frankly incompetent staff anywhere. I would rather walk or swim, than fly through this airport again. The people in charge of this airport should be put in prison, this is a crime of an airport."

And to round off the string of scathing critiques, one holidaymaker recounted: "Most miserable airport I've seen in my life. We had a delayed flight last year and it was the worst experience of my life."

Despite its size, Isobel found the small airport rather adequate. There was hardly any wait to check in or breeze through security, save for a brief discussion at the desk regarding potential extra charges for hand luggage – thankfully, they waived the fee.

After clearing security, Isobel dove into the duty-free offerings and picked up a few treats for her family as well as herself.

Heraklion might be scant on shops and eateries, but Isobel managed to snag a bite before boarding without fuss.

While some reviewers have bemoaned the poor quality of their meals, Isobel thought the food was passable – after all, are high culinary standards really expected at a tiny airport?

In Isobel's experience, Heraklion is far from the worst airport she has visited; that honour goes to the queue-laden Marrakesh Airport.

One highlight was the coastal views available while waiting to board, with the boarding process itself being relatively normal for an international flight.

Although Heraklion Airport does show its age, having been initially established back in the 1930s and last significantly updated in 1972, it's no Singapore Changi Airport – anyone with such high expectations would be left wanting.

That said, claims that the management should be "in prison" seem a tad extreme to me.

Whilst Isobel reckoned it's an airport that gets more flak than it deserves, I'd probably steer clear of it during the bustling summer season, given its size might not be quite up to handling the throngs of summer holidaymakers.