Cyprus has emerged as one of the top performers in Europe in restoring and expanding air connectivity in the post-pandemic era, according to the 2025 Airport Industry Connectivity Report published by ACI Europe.

The country ranks 3rd among EU+ nations in terms of air connectivity recovery, recording an 8% increase compared to 2019 levels and a 13% rise compared to last year. This puts Cyprus behind only Greece (+35%) and Portugal (+10%) within the EU bloc.

The report highlights that Cyprus has significantly boosted both its direct and indirect air links. Direct connectivity — the number and frequency of non-stop flights — increased by 22% from 2019, while indirect connectivity — flights available via connecting hubs — showed a minor dip of just 1%, recovering 9% year-on-year.

This performance stands out as European air connectivity overall remains 9% below pre-pandemic levels. Cyprus’ success is attributed to the island’s strong reliance on tourism and visiting friends and relatives travel, alongside the strategic push by low-cost carriers to expand operations from Cypriot airports.

The expansion of ultra low-cost carriers across Europe has been a defining trend of the past few years, and Cyprus is among the beneficiaries. As full-service carriers have retrenched and focused on core routes, LCCs have filled the void, especially in connecting medium-sized airports like Larnaca and Paphos to cities across Europe.

The report underscores the importance of air connectivity as a driver of economic growth, noting that every 10% increase in direct connectivity translates into a 0.5% increase in GDP per capita. Cyprus’ positive trajectory signals potential gains for the tourism industry, trade, and business development.

Despite the strong national figures, the report warns of a slower recovery for small airports across Europe. These airports face ongoing struggles with indirect connectivity and lost routes, limiting access to remote regions and island economies.

ACI Europe calls on EU policymakers to rethink aviation taxation and support frameworks, arguing that punitive levies in countries like Germany and Sweden correlate strongly with underperformance in connectivity metrics.