Hermes Airports Confirms Normal Operations at Larnaca and Paphos
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Hermes Airports confirms Larnaca and Paphos airports are operating normally despite regional flight cancellations affecting some Middle East destinations.
Key Takeaways
- •Confirms normal operations at Larnaca (LCA) and Paphos (PFO) airports
- •Handled a record 13.75 million passengers in 2025, a 12% increase from 2024
- •Navigates regional flight disruptions affecting some Middle East routes
- •Maintains a network of 60 airlines serving 160 routes to 41 countries
Airport operator Hermes Airports has confirmed that both Larnaca and Paphos international airports in Cyprus are maintaining normal operations. The announcement comes amid regional flight disruptions that have led to cancellations by some European airlines and on routes to the Middle East.
The operator stated that airport functions are proceeding in full coordination with the competent state authorities, including the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), and the broader aviation community. This reassurance aims to maintain stability for passengers traveling on all available flights as the Eastern Mediterranean region navigates geopolitical sensitivities.
While Cyprus's primary gateways remain fully operational, the context includes specific network adjustments by carriers. For instance, a recent report noted that Wizz Air extended the suspension of its flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman through March 15, 2026, directly impacting regional connectivity from Cyprus.
Record Growth Amidst Regional Uncertainty
The current operational stability follows a period of record-breaking growth for aviation in Cyprus. According to Hermes Airports, total passenger traffic across Larnaca International Airport (LCA) and Paphos International Airport (PFO) reached an all-time high of 13.75 million in 2025. This figure represents a 12% increase compared to 2024 and surpasses pre-pandemic levels, establishing a new benchmark for the country's connectivity.
Breaking down the 2025 performance:
- Larnaca Airport (LCA) handled approximately 9.91 million passengers, a 14% year-on-year increase.
- Paphos Airport (PFO) managed approximately 3.84 million passengers, a 5% year-on-year increase.
This growth was supported by a robust network. In 2025, 60 airlines operated 160 routes connecting Cyprus to 41 countries. The top five source markets for passenger traffic were the UK, Greece, Israel, Poland, and Germany. The summer 2025 season alone saw available airline seats exceed 11 million, an increase of 750,000, or 7%, compared to the previous summer.
In a statement reflecting on the 2025 figures, Hermes Airports noted, “Each milestone is much more than a number, it is an expression of our vision in action. The vision is to expand Cyprus's air connectivity throughout the year, to create a real impact on the national economy and to serve millions of passengers.”
Strategic Focus on Connectivity
The operator's strategy has centered on strengthening year-round connectivity and diversifying its source markets to build resilience. While the UK remains the largest traditional market, significant growth has been recorded from Israel and Poland, which collectively accounted for 22% of arrivals in 2025. This diversification helps mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on a single market.
The route network continues to expand, with new services added in 2025 and further growth planned for 2026 with key partners such as Ryanair and Lufthansa, particularly from the German market. This forward-looking approach is critical for the island's tourism-dependent economy.
Maria Kouroupi, Senior Manager of Aviation Development and Communication of Hermes Airports, previously commented on the strategic direction. “Despite adversities and continuous challenges, we managed to surpass the 2019 record and create a new milestone which will be established as a benchmark... The country's connectivity is on a solid base, and we look towards [the future] with optimism.”
All operations are governed by Cyprus's Civil Aviation Law of 2002 (Law 213(I)/2002), which aligns local regulations with the European Union acquis, including rules set forth in European Regulation (EC) 1008/2008 on the operation of air services.
What Comes Next
The immediate priority for Hermes Airports and the Cypriot DCA is to ensure continued operational integrity and passenger safety amidst the ongoing regional situation. Airlines are expected to continue monitoring developments, with flight schedules subject to change based on security assessments. For now, the operator has affirmed that the infrastructure and coordination are in place to handle all scheduled traffic without disruption. Long-term, the focus remains on executing the strategy of route development and market diversification to build on the record-setting performance of 2025.
Why This Matters
For an island nation heavily reliant on tourism and international business, maintaining reliable air connectivity is paramount. The confirmation of normal airport operations provides critical reassurance to airlines, tour operators, and travelers. It underscores the resilience of Cyprus's aviation infrastructure and its ability to function as a stable hub in the Eastern Mediterranean, even when faced with external geopolitical challenges.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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