An increase of 4.5% was observed in the first half of the year, compared to the same period last year, in the number of passengers arriving and departing from Larnaca and Paphos airports, Maria Kouroupi, Director of Aviation Development and Communication at Hermes Airports, reported on Thursday.

In statements at Larnaca Airport, Ms. Kouroupi mentioned that "July ended with approximately 1.5 million total passengers, which is about 1% higher than last year. Overall, from January to July 2024, we have seen an increase of 4.5% compared to the same period last year, with a total of 6.6 million passengers, both departing and arriving, at both airports in Cyprus."

She characterized this development as "very positive. After last year's significant increase, this year, despite adverse conditions and a difficult start to the year, we are seeing a substantial recovery."

When asked whether Cypriots are traveling abroad or choosing to stay within Cyprus, Ms. Kouroupi responded that "July and August are the months when Cypriots travel quite a bit. This year, there is an increase in travel compared to previous years, and this has also been recorded in our passenger surveys, which show a percentage increase in Cypriot travel during the summer period."