Filenews 2 November 2025 - by Eleftheria Paizanou
The construction works at Larnaca and Paphos airports are in full swing, as part of the second phase of the projects, which aspire to "take off" the airports.
Cypriot airports have been on a modernization trajectory since last March. The major project will change air transport and at the same time will upgrade and "grow" Cypriot airports. This is the strategic upgrade of infrastructure, which will contribute to the strengthening of Cyprus as an air hub in the eastern Mediterranean.
The airport operator, Hermes Airports, will fully cover the cost of the projects of the second phase, which amounts to €170 million.
"F" was at the construction site at Larnaca airport, where the works are being carried out at a feverish pace. Safety and protection measures are taken at the construction site and at the same time all procedures are followed to avoid inconvenience to passengers.
The photos of "F" show expansion works in the arrivals and departures areas at Larnaca airport as well as the creation of a new wing.
The works at the two airports started last March and are expected to be completed in September 2027 at Larnaca Airport and in April of the same year at Paphos Airport.
Projects are picking up speed
In the winter months, construction projects will pick up pace, due to the reduction in passenger traffic. It is worth noting that last October, work began on the new arrivals wing, the start of works on the runway of Larnaca airport is expected within the month, while the expansion of the taxiways at Paphos airport is planned.
According to the planning of the management company, at Larnaca Airport the works will cover a total area of approximately 20,000 sq.m. Among other things, they concern the creation of a new wing with departure and arrival gates which will be connected to the main building.
Also, additional baggage claim belts will be added and a new area will be created for the processing of passport and security checks. At the same time, the commercial area will be expanded as well as an increase in aircraft parking spaces.
Projects will be implemented at Paphos Airport that increase the capacity of the airport terminal by approximately 30%, significantly improving the passenger experience and the efficiency of controls and procedures.
At the same time, the southern parallel taxiway will be extended, enhancing the operational flexibility of the airport.
The construction work of the second phase has been undertaken by the joint venture Bouygues Batiment International SAS and Iacovou Brothers (Constructions) Ltd. When projects are completed, the capacity of Larnaca Airport will reach 12.4 million passengers per year, while Paphos Airport will reach 5 million passengers.
This year, passenger traffic in Larnaca is estimated at 9.8 million. passengers and in 2026 it will increase to 10.2 million.
Project Manager: We move forward without obstacles
The technical Director of the Project, Marios Eftychiou, referring to the construction works at Larnaca airport, told "F" that civil engineering works are in progress, while the electromechanical works have been completed.
"We are proceeding normally without obstacles due to the good weather conditions," he added.
At the same time, he noted that a new passport control and security area will be built at Larnaca airport and the luggage belt area will be expanded.
"Our effort is not to affect the operation of the airports at all. We are entering a period where traffic is reduced and allows us to do the work with less interference to the operation of the airport. The logic should be to have as little interference as possible and to affect passengers as little as possible," he added.
In relation to Paphos airport, according to Mr. Eftychiou, the works continue normally without any problems, adding that "we are in the process of meetings for extensions of the tramways, which we will do in the winter months so as not to affect the traffic of the airports in 2026".
Communications Director: Adequate staffing is needed
Hermes Airports assures that the works are being carried out within the agreed schedules, with the company's Marketing and Communications Director, Maria Kouroupi, stressing the need to staff with additional staff of both government services and the other companies in which it operates? They are at the two airports, for the better service of the passenger public.
''And in order for the spaces to expand and people move more comfortably, it is important to proceed with the procedures for the service of passengers at all points. For example, self-catering areas for luggage should be used, which help reduce queues at company counters. Also, there should be proper staffing at the checkpoints," he noted.
At the same time, he stressed that a new arrivals and departures wing will be created at Larnaca airport, which will enable quick boarding and disembarkation from aircraft parked very close to the terminal building, something that several airlines want.
''Passengers will get off the aircraft and pedestrians will go to the new wing, covering a distance of 30 meters, it is very close. The existing arrivals area will be expanded and a new luggage belt will be added, and passport and security control will be moved to a larger area on the second departures floor," he clarified.
He also said that in the coming months the work at the airports will be intensified. "The expansion to the two airports is taking place while they are operating, which creates a complex situation, as services will have to be moved, the various companies and service providers must continue to work normally, which is why various arrangements are being made for which we ask for the understanding of the passenger public," he stressed.
''We hope that there will be no problems that will delay the project. And we, as the management company, want the project to be completed on the basis of the planning. The company has taken over the management of the airports for the last 20 years. It has delivered two airports that operate efficiently and has contributed substantially to improving the connectivity of Cyprus," he underlined.
The agreement between the state and Hermes Airports
It is recalled that the second phase of the projects at the airports began after an agreement was reached between the state and the airport management company.
The agreement was signed in December 2024 and provides for the extension of the airport concession agreement by 18 months. At the same time, it provides for the payment of an amount of €30 million in compensation and the right to use an amount of €20 million from the concession fee in the form of a loan, with the payment of interest to cover the expenses of the Republic.
Finally, the agreement was made against all the company's claims from the state, which exceeded €430 million. Also, the company waived the right to compensation from the operation of the illegal airport of Tymbou and the settlement of other disputes for the years 2015-2023 while also withdrawing all its claims against the Republic.
