Hermes Airports has recorded a historic milestone this year, with Larnaca and Paphos airports handling a combined thirteen million passengers, the highest volume ever achieved in Cyprus. The surge marks a significant moment for the island’s tourism recovery and strengthens its role as a growing air-connectivity hub in the eastern Mediterranean.
The rise in passenger numbers reflects a wider expansion of flight networks, with around sixty airlines now operating roughly 160 routes across forty one countries. Increased seat capacity, stronger demand from European source markets and a sustained rebound in leisure travel have all contributed to the momentum. Authorities note that the island has benefited from both returning visitors and new market interest, particularly during extended summer and winter seasons that have diversified travel flows throughout the year.
This growth places fresh emphasis on infrastructure readiness. Operators are already assessing how to expand terminal capacity, improve passenger flow and enhance runway and apron operations to avoid congestion during peak months. Planned upgrades include additional gates, improved border-control facilities and modernised baggage systems, all intended to support rising traffic volumes while maintaining service quality. The need for reliable ground transport, hotel capacity and broader urban services is also becoming more pressing as visitor numbers accelerate.
For Cyprus’s tourism industry, the milestone offers strong confirmation of its renewed international appeal. Higher arrivals are expected to support hotel occupancy, local spending and regional development, particularly in coastal districts reliant on visitor activity. However, analysts caution that sustained growth will depend on aligning infrastructure delivery with long term demand, ensuring that the island can accommodate higher passenger flows without putting pressure on resources or compromising visitor experience.
If managed effectively, Cyprus’s expanding air connectivity could become a catalyst for deeper economic resilience and continued tourism expansion in the years ahead.
