Filenews 5 January 2024
Larnaka and Pafos airports completed last year with an all-time record with passenger traffic exceeding the barrier of 11.6 million passengers. The previous record was set in 2019 when passenger traffic surpassed the 11 million mark.
According to an announcement by Hermes Airports, 2023 ended with a positive sign for tourism in Cyprus, as passenger traffic at Cyprus airports recorded more than 11.6 million passengers, with an average of 32,000 passengers per day (41 thousand in summer, 18 thousand in winter), marking the best performance ever recorded at Cypriot airports while compared to 2019 there was an increase of the order of 3%.
More specifically, 8.1 million passengers travelled to and from Larnaka Airport, recording an increase of 34% compared to 2022, with the average load factor at 81%. Respectively, 3.6 million passengers travelled to and from Pafos Airport, recording an increase of 12% compared to 2022, with an average load factor of 89%. In total, during the year all 2 airports served 52 airlines flying to 39 countries on 159 routes.
This significant recovery is due to the restoration of connectivity to 2019 levels for traditional markets such as the UK, while there has been notable penetration in other markets. Specifically, for 28 markets, which represent 66% of total passenger traffic, an increase is recorded compared to 2019, including Poland, Italy, Czech Republic, Hungary etc.
18 new destinations
According to Hermes Airports, during 2023, 18 new destinations were added, strengthening the country's connectivity with cities such as Basel, Toulouse, Bordeaux, Naples and others. The average weekly frequency of existing routes last year increased by an average of one flight per week, reinforcing our efforts to further penetrate various markets. A decisive contribution was made by the incentive plan for airlines that we have been implementing for the last 10 years, in which Hermes Airports invested more than €120 million. focusing also on targeted digital marketing campaigns to promote Cyprus.
According to the airport operator, an even more important achievement for 2023, as well as a prospect for 2024, is considered to be the increase of the airlines' winter schedules, something that contributes to the establishment of Cyprus as a year-round destination while offering pluralism in the choices of passengers. Specifically, in winter 2023-2024 there are 30% additional air seats compared to the corresponding period of 2019, with an average of 70 flights per day.
During the winter season from Larnaka and Paphos airports, 30 airlines fly to 35 countries and 102 destinations. Maria Kouroupi, Senior Director of Aviation Development, Marketing and Communication at Hermes Airports, commented on last year's performance: "Despite all the adversity and continuous challenges, we managed to surpass the record of 2019 and create a new milestone that will be a benchmark for the future. The increase in passenger traffic and the enhancement of connectivity on an island such as Cyprus is a springboard that creates a solid foundation for substantial development of various sectors of the economy. The country's connectivity is now on a solid footing and we look forward to 2024 with optimism."
