The international airports in Larnaca and Paphos rank first among European airports in rate of increase in direct air connectivity, number of flights and the total number of destinations they serve, Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis has said, citing relevant reports.
He was addressing an event held at Larnaka Airport on 18 September, on the occasion of Wizz Air's five years of operation and its transit of 10 million passengers to the island.
Koumis said that air connectivity is important for island destinations such as Cyprus, adding that improvement to this end is not just an economic activity but much more than this. "When this is achieved, it strengthens economic activity, encourages international trade, enhances travel and becomes a reason to attract investments", the Deputy Minister said.
He furthermore said that these results reflect the excellent cooperation between the public and private sectors, namely Hermes airports and the numerous airlines operating flights to Cyprus.
The Deputy Minister also referred to the ACI Europe Airport Industry Connectivity Report, published in June 2025, according to which the airports in Larnaca and Paphos rank first among European airports in terms of the growth rate of direct air connectivity, the number of flights and the total number of destinations they serve. The 2025 increase is 18%, figures show.
The report also says that Cyprus ranks second among European countries in terms of the increase in direct air connections, comparing the years 2025 to 2019.
Koumis recalled that in June a fourth aircraft was added to Wizz's fleet in Larnaca, noting that this shows that the airline considers Cyprus as a strategic destination.
He said that in 2018 the company had 1,631 flight arrivals and 284,151 passengers and has now reached 5,000 flights, with almost 1 million passengers' arrivals in 2024.
"This is an impressive 240% increase in seven years", the Deputy Minister said.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, Dr. Marina Ioannou Hasapi praised the company's achievement, saying that it is yet another proof of the dynamic development of the aviation sector in Cyprus.
She referred to the goal of Cyprus becoming a regional transport hub, attracting continuous investments and offering modern, reliable and affordable services.
Eleni Kalogirou, Chief Executive Officer of Hermes Airports said that Wizz Air's progress in Cyprus is a strong demonstration of how a sincere and productive partnership can develop.
Andras Rado, head of communication of the carrier said that they are proud to celebrate this great milestone of 10 million passengers to and from Cyprus, along with the five years of operation of the Larnaca base. He described Cyprus as one of the most dynamic hubs in their network.
(Source: CNA)
