Cyprus Airports Gear Up for Global Expansion
Hermes Airports is preparing for a significant leap in passenger traffic in 2025, expecting a 5.5% increase that will bring annual numbers to 13 million. This ambitious growth is fueling the organization’s determination to expand air service to key underserved markets while also embarking on a major infrastructure upgrade at both Larnaka and Pafos airports. With an eye toward strengthening Cyprus’ connectivity to major European and international destinations, Hermes Airports is targeting new opportunities such as a direct connection between Larnaka and Madrid. Despite Madrid being one of the few major European capitals without a direct link to Cyprus, more than 53,000 passengers traveled indirectly between the two regions last year. This gap in service presents a lucrative prospect for future expansion.
The network development strategy is already yielding results, as evidenced by the introduction of two new airlines in 2024, namely Air Haifa and Air Horizon, along with the launch of five new routes and an increase in frequencies on 15 existing services. One of the notable trends is the rise in winter traffic, which now accounts for 25% of the total annual passengers compared to 20% five years ago. In response to this seasonal boost, Hermes Airports is intensifying its efforts to attract additional airlines and launch new routes. In 2025, four more carriers—Sky Up, Animawings, Dan Air, and Saudia—are set to join the network. The upcoming additions include 10 new routes, one of which is the restoration of the Larnaka-Riyadh service, reaffirming the airport’s commitment to both scheduled and leisure markets.
Beyond these new connections, route development priorities have been identified for several other key cities. Hermes Airports is closely examining opportunities to introduce direct services to Brussels, Dublin, Tallinn, and Geneva. The current market setup sees Dublin being served solely from Pafos, despite strong demand for a direct connection from Larnaka, while Tallinn is only accessible from Pafos even though many passengers travel between the two cities indirectly. These insights underscore the importance of reconfiguring the route network to better serve passenger needs and leverage untapped demand.
In addition to network expansion, Hermes Airports is actively supporting air service development through a robust route incentive program. This initiative reimburses up to 40% of airport costs for new services, providing financial motivation for airlines to launch routes that might otherwise be deemed risky. Close collaboration with Cyprus’ tourism authorities further enhances these efforts. Joint marketing activities are designed to promote both the new flights and the destination, boosting awareness and driving increased traffic for both airlines and the islands.
To accommodate the expected growth in passenger numbers, Hermes Airports has initiated phased expansion works at both Larnaka and Pafos airports. At Larnaka, the upgrade will include the addition of new gates, an improved baggage handling system, expanded commercial space, and additional aircraft parking. Meanwhile, Pafos will see a 30% increase in terminal capacity, ensuring that both airports are well-equipped to handle future demand. Once completed, Larnaka will be able to process up to 12.4 million passengers annually, while Pafos will handle around 5 million passengers per year. These infrastructure enhancements are expected to play a crucial role in supporting the overall growth strategy and solidifying Cyprus’ position as a key air hub in the region.
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