More than 11.6 million passengers travelled to Larnaca and Paphos airports in 2023, with the year ending on a positive sign for tourism in Cyprus.
According to a press release from Hermes Airports, the average number of passengers per day was 32,000 passengers per day (41,000 in the summer, 18,000 in the winter), marking the best performance ever recorded at Cypriot airports.
It is noted that compared to 2019, there was an increase of 3%.
It is added that specifically, 8.1 million passengers travelled from and to Larnaka Airport marking an increase of 34% compared to 2022, with average load factor of 81%.
From and to Pafos Airport, 3.6 million passengers traveled, recording an increase of 12% compared to 2022, with average load factor of 89%.
It is explained that overall, 52 airlines operated from the two airports, flying to 39 countries and 159 routes.
Furthermore, it is added that this significant recovery is attributed to the restoration of connectivity to 2019 levels for traditional markets such as
the United Kingdom while there was substantial penetration into other markets. For 28 markets which represent 66% of total passenger traffic, an increase was recorded compared to 2019, including Poland, Italy, Hungary etc.
It is highlighted that during 2023, 18 new destinations were added, strengthening Cyprus’s connectivity with countries such as Basil, Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Naples etc.
It is also noted that during 2023, the average frequency of existing flight scheduled was increased on average by one flight per week, enhancing the efforts to further develop existing markets.
‘A key contribution was made by the incentive scheme for airlines, which we have been implementing for the past 10 years, in which Hermes Airports has invested over 120 million euro, while we focused on targeted digital marketing campaigns for further promotion of Cyprus’ according to Hermes Airports.
It is also stated that ‘an even more significant achievement for 2023, and an opportunity for 2024, is considered the increase in
the winter schedule of the airlines, contributing to establishing Cyprus as a year-round destination while offering a variety of choices for passengers.’
It is noted that during winter 2023-2024, there is a 30% increase in available airline seats in comparison to the corresponding period of 2019, with average 70 flights per day.
According to the press release, during this winter season, 30 airlines will operate flights to 35 countries and 102 destinations from Larnaka and Pafos airports.
Maria Kouroupi, Senior Manager of Aviation Development and Communication of Hermes Airports stated, among others, that ‘the increase in passenger traffic and the reinforcement of connectivity on an island like Cyprus create a stable foundation for the substantial development of various sectors of the economy. The country’s connectivity is on a solid base, and we look towards 2024 with optimism’.
Source: Cyprus News Agency