Cyprus airports maintain passenger traffic: decline limited to just 1%

Despite the challenging geopolitical situation and the reduction in the number of available seats offered by some airlines, passenger traffic at Cyprus airports this summer has been significantly higher than initially forecast.

According to Hermes Airports, the number of passengers in July fell by just 1% compared with the same period last year. August is also expected to remain approximately at last year's level.

Maria Kouroupi, Director of Aviation Development, Marketing and Communications at Hermes Airports, noted that the negative forecasts formed in the spring had largely failed to materialise.

During the peak season, more than 50,000 passengers pass through Larnaca and Paphos airports every day. On average, Larnaca Airport handles around 230 flights a day, while Paphos handles around 95.

According to Kouroupi, the queues at the airports that are frequently discussed on social media do not reflect the overall situation. Data from the service time monitoring system shows that 95% of departing passengers pass through passport control in less than 13 minutes and security screening in less than three minutes.

Hermes Airports identified congestion in European airspace during the summer period, particularly over Greece, as the main cause of flight delays. Some delays are also linked to certain Israeli airlines failing to comply with their allocated time slots.

Expansion works are continuing at Larnaca Airport, causing difficulties with access roads and the passenger drop-off and pick-up area. New traffic arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days.

At Paphos Airport, part of the new arrivals hall and new baggage carousels are scheduled to open in August. The expansion of Larnaca and Paphos airports is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2027. In addition, a new air link between Cyprus and Madrid will be launched in September, which should expand the island's international route network.