The largest increase in flights between 2017 and 2025 was recorded in the markets of Southern and Eastern Europe, according to a recent analysis by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Eurocontrol. Cyprus is included in this region, which shows steady growth in flight take-offs and landings, especially at regional airports and destinations with a strong tourism orientation.
The analysis highlights that this increase reflects the recovery of European tourism after the difficulties of the pandemic, but also the strategy of airlines to invest in markets with growing demand.
For Cyprus, these figures are reflected in the increasing connectivity of Larnaca and Paphos airports with key European destinations, offering more choices to travelers and strengthening the role of incoming visitors in the island's economy.
Smaller airports, such as those in Cyprus, are particularly benefiting from the growth of leisure travel, which has grown faster than business travel. At the same time, travelers are showing a greater preference for secondary cities as holiday destinations, which strengthens the momentum of airports in Southeastern Europe and broadens the options for visitors from all over Europe.
IATA notes that Southern and Eastern European countries are recording faster growth rates than Central and Western Europe, with Cyprus standing out as a destination with a steadily increasing number of international flights, both by scheduled and low-cost carriers. This strengthens the competitiveness of regional airports and attracts new visitor markets, keeping the island at the forefront of European air connectivity.
Despite challenges in the international aviation market, such as fluctuations in fuel prices and geopolitical uncertainty, the upward trend in flights to Southern and Eastern Europe offers cautious optimism for the summer season, underlining that Cyprus remains a safe and attractive destination for travelers from all over the world.
Source: IATA
This article first appeared, in Greek, in the most recent edition of Hermes Airports' online newsletter, Flight Mode. Click here to view it.
