Thursday, June 12, 2025
In a historic achievement, Larnaca and Paphos airports have handled over 4 million passengers in the first five months of 2025, marking a 12.02% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This milestone highlights the robust recovery and remarkable growth within Cyprus’ aviation sector, signaling the island’s rising prominence in global travel. With Larnaca seeing a 19% boost in passenger volume and Paphos experiencing a surge in international connectivity, both airports are on track to maintain their upward momentum throughout the year.
Larnaca and Paphos airports have achieved an impressive milestone, handling over 4 million passengers in the first five months of 2025. This remarkable achievement marks the first time in the airports’ histories that such a feat has been accomplished, reflecting a robust recovery and strong growth within Cyprus’ aviation sector.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Works, the two airports combined saw a 12.02% increase in passenger traffic compared to the same period in 2024. This growth is a significant indicator of Cyprus’ resurgent aviation industry, bolstered by increasing travel demand and a strong rebound in international tourism.
May 2025: A Landmark Month for Cyprus Airports
In May alone, Larnaca and Paphos airports welcomed 1,282,882 passengers, a notable 12.47% increase compared to May 2024. This surge in passenger numbers highlights the continued momentum of Cyprus’ aviation recovery as international flights continue to soar in popularity.
Larnaca Airport, the larger of the two, saw a remarkable 19% increase in passenger traffic during this period, signaling a significant rise in demand for its routes. Meanwhile, Paphos Airport, despite experiencing a slight decline of 1.36% in passenger volume compared to 2024 figures, remains an essential gateway for travelers to and from Cyprus, contributing to the overall growth of the country’s aviation sector.
Surge in Aircraft Movements Reflects Growing International Connectivity
The increase in passenger numbers was mirrored by a surge in aircraft movements, which rose by 10.25% compared to 2024, reaching a total of 9,518 flights. This rise in flight activity underscores the expanding international connectivity that both airports are offering.
Larnaca Airport, in particular, experienced significant growth in flight routes to Israel, the United Kingdom, Poland, Germany, and Armenia. These routes have become vital to the airport’s traffic increase, reinforcing the airport’s role as a key hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Paphos Airport, on the other hand, saw a positive growth trajectory in routes to the United Kingdom, Poland, Hungary, Germany, and Jordan. This expansion reflects Paphos’ growing appeal as a leisure destination, attracting travelers from across Europe and beyond.
Changes in Passenger Traffic: Routes with Declines
While Cyprus’ airports are seeing overall growth, certain routes have experienced declines. Larnaca Airport saw a drop in traffic from France, Jordan, Norway, Switzerland, and Belgium. Similarly, Paphos Airport faced reduced traffic from Greece, Romania, France, Estonia, and Israel. These decreases reflect broader regional shifts in travel preferences and changing global circumstances but do not detract from the airports’ overall upward trajectory.
Cyprus Aviation Industry on the Path to Recovery
The exceptional performance of Larnaca and Paphos airports in 2025 demonstrates the resilience and recovery of the Cypriot aviation sector. The 12.02% increase in passengers year-over-year, coupled with the surge in flight operations, paints a clear picture of Cyprus’ vital role in the global travel landscape.
The strong growth in passenger numbers and the consistent expansion of flight routes signal an optimistic outlook for the remainder of 2025. The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Works continues to monitor the dynamic developments in the aviation sector, ensuring that Cyprus remains a key player in the international tourism and travel markets.
The record-breaking performance of Larnaca and Paphos airports provides compelling evidence that the Cypriot aviation industry is not only recovering but thriving, offering an excellent foundation for continued growth in the years to come.
Conclusion
Larnaca and Paphos airports have shattered records by handling over 4 million passengers in the first five months of 2025, reflecting a 12.02% growth and a strong recovery in Cyprus’ aviation sector.
The impressive performance of Larnaca and Paphos airports in the first five months of 2025 marks a pivotal moment for Cyprus’ aviation sector. With over 4 million passengers handled, representing a significant year-on-year increase, both airports have demonstrated their resilience and ability to adapt to the growing demand for air travel.
As the aviation industry continues to recover globally, Cyprus is positioned as a key player, with increasing connectivity and a growing number of international routes. While some routes have experienced slight declines, the overall trend points to continued success and a positive outlook for the remainder of 2025.
The strong recovery of these airports not only highlights the vitality of the Cypriot tourism sector but also reinforces the importance of strategic investments in infrastructure and international partnerships. As the aviation industry evolves, Larnaca and Paphos airports are sure to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Cyprus’ travel and tourism economy.
