In 2023, over 11.6 million passengers traveled through the airports of Larnaca and Paphos, marking a year that ended on a positive note for the country's tourism sector.

According to an announcement from Hermes Airports, the average daily number of passengers was 32,000, reaching up to 41,000 in summer and 18,000 in winter. This performance is the best ever recorded at the Cypriot airports. Compared to 2019, there was a 3% increase.

Specifically, 8.1 million passengers traveled to and from Larnaca Airport, a 34% increase compared to 2022, with an average occupancy rate of 81%. Similarly, Paphos Airport saw 3.6 million passengers, up 12% from 2022, with an average occupancy rate of 89%.

Throughout the year, the two airports served 52 airlines, flying to 39 countries and operating 159 routes.

This significant recovery is attributed to the restoration of connectivity levels to those of 2019 for traditional markets like the United Kingdom, along with notable penetration into other markets. Specifically, for 28 markets, representing 66% of the total passenger traffic, there was an increase compared to 2019, including countries like Poland, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.

It's noteworthy that in 2023, 18 new destinations were added, enhancing the country's connectivity. These new destinations include Basel (Switzerland), Abu Dhabi, Suceava (Romania), Toulouse (France), Naples (Italy), Bordeaux (France), Kuwait, Haifa (Israel), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Graz (Austria), Umeå (Sweden), Piešťany (Slovakia), Dammam (Saudi Arabia), Luleå (Sweden), Sandefjord (Norway), Skopje, and Radom (Poland).

During 2023, the average weekly frequency of existing routes increased by one flight per week, aiding the efforts to further penetrate various markets. The incentive plan for airlines, which Hermes Airports has invested over 120 million euros in over the last decade, and targeted digital marketing campaigns to promote Cyprus, played a crucial role in this.

Hermes notes that an even more significant achievement for 2023, and a prospect for 2024, is the increase in winter programs by airlines, contributing to establishing Cyprus as a year-round destination and providing diversity in passenger choices. Specifically, in the winter of 2023-2024, there are 30% more airline seats available compared to the same period in 2019, averaging 70 flights per day.

During the winter period, 30 airlines operate flights from Larnaca and Paphos airports to 35 countries and 102 destinations.

Maria Kouroupi, the Senior Director of Aviation Development, Marketing, and Communication at Hermes Airports, stated, "Despite adversities and ongoing challenges, we managed to surpass the 2019 record and set a new benchmark for the future. The increase in passenger traffic and the enhancement of connectivity on an island like Cyprus creates a solid foundation for substantial economic development in various sectors."

She concluded, "The country's connectivity now stands on solid ground, and we look forward to 2024 with optimism."