Cyprus' Airports Reach Record-Breaking Passenger Traffic Amid Expansion Projects

Strategic Insights -

Cyprus' airports, managed by Hermes Airports, achieved a historic milestone in August, surpassing 1.8 million passengers at Larnaca and Paphos airports combined. This figure marks a significant 12.5% increase from August 2024, when passenger traffic reached 1.6 million. The August numbers indicate the fifth consecutive month of passenger traffic exceeding 1 million across the island's airports. Larnaca airport recorded 1.3 million passengers, while Paphos airport saw a 13.5% increase to 501,100 passengers from 439,900 in August 2024.

Key Takeaways:

  • The expansion of Cyprus' airports, with a total budget of Pound 170 million, aims to boost capacity at both Larnaca and Paphos airports.
  • The second phase of the development programme, currently underway, includes construction of a new wing with additional arrival and departure gates, new baggage claim belts, and expanded aircraft parking capacity at Larnaca, increasing its annual capacity to 12.4 million passengers.
  • At Paphos, the expansion will increase the terminal's capacity by about 30%, significantly improving passenger experience and processes, while also extending the southern parallel taxiway to enhance operational flexibility.
  • The upgrades are expected to take 30 months at Larnaca and 27 months at Paphos.
  • For the first eight months of 2025, overall passenger traffic across Cyprus' airports reached 9.2 million, with 6.6 million passengers passing through Larnaca and 2.5 million through Paphos.
  • Passenger traffic for the full year of 2024 reached a record 12.3 million, representing a 5.6% increase from 2023 and a 9.1% rise compared to 2019.
  • Tourist arrivals in July 2025 rose by 6.9% to 589,116 visitors, with the majority (85.5%) visiting for holidays.
  • The number of Cypriot residents returning from abroad increased by 9.1% in July.

Statistics:

  • Passenger traffic at Cyprus' airports in August 2025 reached 1.8 million, a 12.5% increase from August 2024.
  • Larnaca airport recorded 1.3 million passengers, while Paphos airport saw a 13.5% increase to 501,100 passengers from 439,900 in August 2024.
  • Passenger traffic for the first eight months of 2025 reached 9.2 million.
  • The expansion project has a total budget of Pound 170 million.
  • The upgrades at Larnaca airport will increase its annual capacity to 12.4 million passengers, while Paphos' capacity will increase by about 30%.
  • Tourist arrivals in July 2025 rose by 6.9% to 589,116 visitors.

Sources:

  • "Cyprus' airports reach record-breaking levels of passenger traffic in August" - Source: Hermes Airports
  • "Tourist arrivals in July rise by 6.9%" - Source: Statistical Service of Cyprus
  • "Cyprus' tourism revenue for June rises by 9.6%" - Source: State Statistical Service of Cyprus