Chiotes everywhere, from Long Island to Melbourne, are rejoicing at the news that the island’s Omiros airport is finally getting an upgrade.

Many travelers have spent hours stuck in the airport’s lone waiting room, or in the crowded area waiting for luggage while battling with grandmothers and children to see who can get their bags first. 

But this situation will soon change following an announcement by the Greek Transport Ministry that the Chios Airport will receive slightly more than $9.7 million to upgrade infrastructure and expand facilities. 

According to a report by Greek Travel Pages, “the works for upgrading the airports’ facilities are expected to help meet future demand for travel, make flying more efficient and improve the travel experience of visitors.”

The announcement of the upgrade follows the launch of works for the expansion of the airport’s runway.

“This is a project for Chios that we have been discussing for decades and which now will be completed in the near future,” Greece’s Migration Minister Mitarachis said at an event to announce the upgrade recently.

The upgrade is said to include an expansion, restructure, repair and improvement of the airport’s facilities, including passenger service areas such as check in counters, passport control and catering and commercial spaces.

The project will be funded by the National Strategic Reference Framework (known as ESPA) 2014-2020 program.