The former military airport of Pigi was located eight kilometres (5.0 mi) east of Rethymno and 250 m (820 ft) from the coast.

It was a runway built by the British in November 1940 as part of the defense of the island in the event of an attack by the Axis powers.

In the Battle of Crete, the capture of this airfield was the main strategic objective of the German forces.

According to British secret reports, the Rethymno airport was still under construction in February 1941, while the runway was suitable only for fighter aircraft.

At the west end of the airfield, there was a small Royal Air Force radio station.