HERMES AIRPORTS - THE CURRENT SITUATION PICTURE OF CYPRUS' AIR CONNECTIVITY - Pafos Live 8/5
On the occasion of recent reports on passenger traffic, Hermes Airports wishes to present the actual data on passenger traffic and air connectivity in the country.April of this year ended with a decrease of 16% compared to the corresponding month of 2025, i.e. a decrease of 95,000 arriving passengers in absolute numbers. The average aircraft occupancy rate in April was 76% for both airports compared to 83% in the same period last year.
Regarding the scheduling of flights by airlines for the current summer season (April-October), some adjustments have emerged, with the reduction in total seats not exceeding 5% (600,000 seats), at a time when enhanced flight schedules were announced for September. The estimated loss of passengers for this period is 9%, i.e. about 450,000 arriving passengers. It is encouraging that in the last 15 days, i.e. from April 20 onwards, the occupancy rates of arrivals ranged between 80%-85%, while in the main tourist markets such as the United Kingdom and Poland the occupancy rates exceed 90%.
The country's connectivity remains strong with 54 airlines operating flights to and from Cypriot airports to 165 destinations in 42 countries. An important parameter is that in the vast majority of them, the changes in the flight schedule do not concern the abolition of routes, but a reduction in the weekly frequency of flights.
Indicatively, to our airports for the month of May from the UK market, the flights operated on average amount to 30 per day with a load factor of 92%, Israel 20 flights per day with a load factor of 60%, Poland 9 flights per day with a load factor of 93% and Germany 8 flights per day with an occupancy rate of 86%.
Both through the direct contacts we carry out with the airlines and tour operators as well as from the promotional activities of the companies, we see the existence of several offers for the summer season with the aim of encouraging passengers to choose our country as their next destination or vice versa for the Cypriot public.
As far as the issue of fuel adequacy is concerned, we are monitoring the issue in close cooperation with the airlines, the state, as well as the fuel supply chain at Cypriot airports and we have received assurances that there are sufficient stocks, while in no case have the flight schedules of the companies been affected due to fuel.
Hermes Airports continues to monitor the situation and will come back with a new update, if necessary, with the aim of continuously and validly informing the public and stakeholders.
We recognize that this year is a different year with challenges after two consecutive years with records in both tourism and passenger traffic. In this environment, we must move in a coordinated manner, with realism, but also with determination, in order to reverse the climate and strengthen demand. Maintaining existing connectivity, targeted promotion in the main tourism markets, substantial support for airlines and strategic extension of the tourist season are critical priorities. Through collective effort and timely interventions, we can harness the potential of the year, alleviate pressures and lay the foundations for sustainable growth in the years to come.
