Hermes Airports: More than 11.6 million passengers passed through Cyprus' airports in 2023

This year concluded with a positive sign for tourism in Cyprus, as passenger traffic at Cyprus airports recorded more than 11.6 million passengers, with an average of 32,000 passengers per day (41K/summer, 18K/winter), an announcement from Cyprus airport operators Hermes Airports has stated.

Passenger traffic in 2023 had an increase of 3% compared to 2019, marking the best performance ever recorded at Cyprus Airports, the company's announcement noted.

Specifically, 8.1 million passengers travelled from and to Larnaka Airport marking an increase of 34% compared to 2022, with average load factor of 81%. From and to Pafos Airport, 3.6 million passengers traveled, recording an increase of 12% compared to 2022, with average load factor of 89%. Overall, 52 airlines operated from the two airports, flying to 39 countries and 159 routes.

This significant recovery is attributed to the restoration of connectivity to 2019 levels for traditional markets such as the United Kingdom while there was substantial penetration into other markets. For 28 markets (see below) which represent 66% of total passenger traffic, an increase was recorded compared to 2019, including Poland, Italy, Hungary etc.

During 2023, 18 new destinations (Basel, Abu Dhabi, Suceava, Toulouse, Napoli, Bordeaux, Kuwait, Haifa, Riyadh, Jeddah, Graz, Umea, Piestany, Dammam, Lulea, Sandef Jord, Skopje and Radom) were added, strengthening Cyprus's connectivity with locations. During 2023, the average frequency of existing flight scheduled was increased on average by one flight per week, enhancing our efforts to further develop existing markets. A key contribution was made by the incentive scheme for airlines, which we have been implementing for the past 10 years, in which Hermes Airports has invested over 120 million euro, while we focused on targeted digital marketing campaigns for further promotion of Cyprus.

An even more significant achievement for 2023, and an opportunity for 2024, is considered the increase in the winter schedule of the airlines, contributing to establishing Cyprus as a year-round destination while offering a variety of choices for passengers. During winter 2023-2024, there is a 30% increase in available airline seats in comparison to the corresponding period of 2019, with average 70 flights per day. During this winter season, 30 airlines will operate flights to 35 countries and 102 destinations from Larnaka and Pafos airports.

Maria Kouroupi, Senior Manager of Aviation Development and Communication of Hermes Airports stated, "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 increase in passenger traffic and the reinforcement of connectivity on an island like Cyprus create a stable foundation for the substantial development of various sectors of the economy. The country's connectivity is on a solid base, and we look towards 2024 with optimism."