Hermes Airports has confirmed that combined traffic through both Larnaca and Paphos will exceed 13 million passengers by the end of November 2025. This was weeks before the end of the year. Boxing Day alone witnessed 65 international arrivals, besides 38 departures in Larnaca, while Paphos handled 27 extra movements. These figures capped a record-breaking holiday period.
Airlines redeployed capacity from conflict-affected Israel routes. They also tapped into winter-sun demand from Central and Eastern Europe. Government rebates covering up to 60% of landing fees had helped carriers to add seasonal capacity. These initiatives pushed available seats 12% above 2019 levels.
Travel managers, juggling Cyprus entry requirements, can now streamline visa checks by outsourcing them to VisaHQ. This mode offers real-time guidance, besides online application assistance for Cyprus and 200+ other destinations. By pre-validating documents, the service reduces airport surprises and speeds travellers through the now-busier Larnaca and Paphos arrival lounges.
For business-travel planners, the boom would mean tighter seat availability. It would also amount to higher fares and longer airport immigration counter queues. That would apply even for EU nationals using eGates. Hermes asked passengers to arrive at least 2 hours before intra-EU departures and to pre-book fast-track security where available. Car-hire desks and taxi ranks have witnessed demand spikes. Also, overflowing vehicle parks at Larnaca have been open for weeks ahead since online reservations sold out.
The surge bolsters Cyprus’ credentials as a regional hub ahead of its EU Council presidency in the 2nd half of 2026. This is with new winter links to Rome, Brussels and Warsaw, which are already on sale.
For mobility managers, please secure tickets for the January kick-off meeting at your earliest convenience and opt for flexible fares whenever possible. Also, brief travellers on eGate registration to shave minutes off arrival queues.
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