CYPRUS AIRPORTS EMBRACE MORE CONNECTIONS
Passenger footfall at Cyprus airports has seen a steady year-on-year increase over the last few years. It is projected that the numbers will once again be surpassed this year, with both Larnaca and Paphos international airports expected to handle around 13 million passengers. This is mainly due to the addition of new flight destinations to both Cyprus international airports.
The new confirmed routes to the following destinations from Cyprus
- EasyJet: From Amsterdam in the Netherlands
- AnimaWings: From Bucharest in Romania
- Cyprus Airways: From Venice in Italy
- Aegean: From Rome in Italy
- Ryanair: From Düsseldorf in Germany and Katowice in Poland
- Condor: From Frankfurt and Düsseldorf in Germany
- SkyUP: From Chișinău in Moldova
- Transavia: From Lyon in France and Marseille in France
- Air Haifa: From Tel Aviv in Israel
- Saudia: From Riyadh in Saudi Arabia
Notable new passenger growth now comes from
- Armenia
- Germany
- Greece
- Israel
- Poland
- United Kingdom
The carriers that now offer new notable market expansion are
- Aegean Airlines
- Air Haifa
- Cyprus Airways
- LOT Polish Airlines
- TUI Group
- Wizz Air
Wizz Air expands its flights from Larnaca
Wizz Air, which now connects Larnaca with a total of 28 destinations in Europe and the Middle East, currently prides itself as being one of the most environmentally sustainable airlines. Flight prices start from just €34.99 and its destinations from Larnaca airport now include Cairo, Athens, Abu Dhabi, Moldova, Budapest, London, Milan, Bucharest, Prague and Vienna. The airline, which currently operates a total of four aircraft at its Larnaca hub, is committed to offering Cypriot travellers even more affordable and exciting travel options.
CYPRUS IS ONE OF THE BEST HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS
Cyprus was recently honoured with the ‘Destination Award’ at the Routes World Airline Conference in Bahrain. Cyprus beat several other destinations around the world in this category.
This award is a recognition of the significant efforts of the Cypriot Government and THE TOURISM MINISTRY, who have both constantly promoted the country as a revered travel destination.
Cypriot airports served up to 12 million passengers in 2024. This marked the highest number of passengers on record transiting to and from the island, with greater numbers expected this year.
Several records for visitor numbers are constantly being broken year on year. This includes tourist visits to the island, which surpassed 4 million in 2024.
A WELCOME ECONOMIC BOOST
Tourism overall is an important part of the Cypriot economy and visitor numbers, travelling to and from the Republic of Cyprus, are constantly on the increase year on year. These increased numbers also mark a rise in revenue generated by this sector, boosting several local economies on the island. This economic boost is part of a larger trend that has seen total tourism revenue surpass previous fugures.
AN AVERAGE SPEND
The average per capita expenditure of a tourist has risen from €650 to just under €800. British visitors make up approximately 30% of all arrivals and they are spending an average of just under €100 per day. Arrivals from Israel make up the second largest contingent, accounting for just under 20% of all arrivals. Their average spend is considerably higher and currently stands at around €160 per day. Polish tourists make up the next largest group, accounting for nearly 10% of all arrivals. Their average spend, however, is considerably lower at just over €70 per day.
A YEAR ON YEAR IMPROVEMENT
Although June through to September generally sees the most visitor arrivals to the island, August remains the most popular month. Hotel occupancy is currently very high during this month, with most resorts close to full capacity. The winter months have also experienced not only an increase in arrivals, but also from Cypriot residents travelling abroad for leisure, business and studies.
NUMBERS ON TARGET
Despite some adverse conditions and a challenging start to the previous year, recent figures have indicated promising signs for the tourism sector on the island. Passenger numbers, arriving mainly during the summer months, have seen a year-on-year increase. Direct flights to the United Kingdom, which remains the island’s biggest visitor market, have also increased, helping to maintain higher numbers. The industry, however, still faces challenges. This comes in the form of a dramatic drop in direct flight availability from other important European markets, such as France, Denmark, and Sweden. This, as well as the introduction of new visa controls, may negatively impact future visitor numbers to the island.
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AN AMBITIOUS STRATEGY
THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM has recently identified a new strategy to increase visitor numbers. This involves introducing as many new direct flight routes to the island as possible. This is reinforced by the fact that after the introduction of more direct flights to and from Israel, Poland, and Germany, has steadily increased traveller numbers to the island. As a result, THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM is constantly seeking to implement this strategy across the board. THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM is currently offering a generous package of lucrative incentives to introduce new direct flights that are aimed at several national airline carriers from all over the world.
THE ISLAND'S BIGGEST MARKET
The United Kingdom remains as the island’s most important market. It currently accounts for the largest source of annual visitors, which numbers an average of approximately 40% of the market. British Airways recently acknowledged this and took full advantage of the incentives introduced by THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM. The United Kingdom’s national carrier recently expanded its direct flight schedules from Gatwick to Larnaca and there are plans to introduce new direct routes from other parts of the United Kingdom.
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE FLYING
A Long Commute
Modern aviation as a whole has revolutionised travel and the tourism industry, and with new technology helping to push the overall cost down, an environment where flying has become like a long commute is now firmly in place. Most international airports have also become vibrant hubs of activity, connecting an ever-expanding network of destinations. Air travel in Cyprus is following this trend, and both of the island’s international airports are constantly recording an increase in passenger numbers year on year.
Age old Problems
Although new technology makes this possible, the industry is still dependent on changing airport schedules, aircraft reliability, and the weather, so it is no secret that things could still sometimes go wrong.
Stress- Free Travel
Travellers of all kinds often seek stress-free travel with as little disruption as possible. Delayed flights or diverted planes, however, can still cause inconvenience, adding delays to several journeys.
Packing In Preparation
With this in mind, there are a few things that can make some journeys as smooth as possible. Packing certain things in preparation for air travel could make all the difference when flying or when schedules are interrupted.
Things to consider before a flight
1. On-board entertainment: Watching a movie or playing a computer game of your choice is a good way to kill time during a flight or even a delay. A good set of noise-cancelling headphones will cut out aircraft noise. Keeping all tech devices charged is often a top priority when travelling, and a good power bank will ensure that all devices have a constant charge.
2. Mobile Phones: No access to a phone can be incredibly annoying as well as unsafe. All phones should be placed on aeroplane mode after take-off. This will prevent phones from scanning for a network, which will end up draining the battery.
3. Freezing liquids: Freezing liquids before going through security will save time and allow more than 100 mils of liquids to be taken through security. It might be a good idea, however, to place them in a waterproof Ziploc bag to protect other items from moisture after the liquids melt.
4. Sanitisers: Although planes are cleaned after every flight, it might be a good idea to pack some wet wipes and liquid hand sanitiser. This will enable passengers to give the table seat an extra clean before using.
5. Online Check-in: Modern technology allows for the option to conveniently check in online before a flight. Boarding passes can be printed or saved electronically, allowing all travellers, in the absence of luggage, to simply go directly through airport security without any fuss.
