Filenews 9 May 2024 - by Adamos Adamou
Cypriot airports are trying to build a bridge with European capitals with which there is currently no direct connection.
In this context, Hermes Airports' short-term plans include the connection of Cyprus with Madrid, Ljubljana, Brussels and Lisbon.
The Director of Aviation Development, Marketing & Communication of Hermes Airports, Maria Kouroupi, recently spoke about these plans, on the occasion of Hermes' presence at this year's Routes Europe, the largest regional gathering for all flight development professionals. According to statements hosted by aviationweek.com page, in addition to its short-term plans, the managing company of Cypriot airports aims in the long term to reach more distant markets, such as those of North America (USA) and Asia, something that stood out as a goal in a recent interview with "F" and the Deputy Minister of Tourism Costas Koumis.
In her own reports, Ms. Kouroupi referred to last year's spectacular performance of Cypriot airports, as, despite the challenges, passenger traffic exceeded 11.6 million passengers for the first time, incorporating the recovery that occurred in the company's efforts for continuous growth.
He further said that in the context of these efforts, 55 airlines are currently operating at the two airports, which operate 150 routes to and from Larnaka and Pafos airports to 38 countries.
He also revealed that, despite the challenges that exist again this year, in the winter season there was an increase in passenger traffic by 12% compared to the same period of 2023 and that the total contribution of the winter season to passenger traffic now amounts to more than 24%. According to Mrs. Kouroupi, the above is particularly important, as, as she estimated, it shows that Hermes Airports' efforts with the airlines, in cooperation with the rest of the country's tourism partners, have begun to bear fruit.
Target capitals
For the immediate future, he said that Hermes Airports aims to maintain the growth of air connectivity and traffic levels, despite the challenges of the aviation industry.
Regarding the company's strategic goals, he said that these include filling the gaps that exist with some European capitals, such as Madrid, Ljubljana, Brussels and Lisbon, while enhancing the weekly frequency of existing routes to Cyprus.
The Hermes official also stressed that the company's top priority remains to ensure our country's air connectivity throughout the year, as the aim is to enhance the winter contribution to passenger traffic and tourism, stressing that partnerships with airlines contribute to this. It is, he said, a common goal of all the country's tourism partners, in order for the country to become a year-round destination.
Regarding the medium-term strategic planning of the operator of Cypriot airports, Kouroupi said that they are already working to achieve connectivity with North America or Asia, stressing that this goal requires collective effort and commitment with all stakeholders at local and international level.
