EU to fund €3.6m project to power aircraft at Cypriot airports

The European Union has approved €3.6 million in funding for a project to install Electric Ground Power Units (GPUs) at Larnaca and Paphos airports, as part of a broader effort to modernise transport infrastructure and reduce emissions across Europe.

The initiative, spearheaded by Hermes Airports, is among 39 projects selected under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme’s Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF). The EU is mobilising a total of €422m to support the expansion of alternative fuel infrastructure in road, maritime, and air transport.

Greener airports in Cyprus

At Larnaca Airport, the project will introduce 14 fixed power units and 17 mobile GPUs, while Paphos Airport will receive 17 fixed power units and 5 mobile GPUs. These units will allow aircraft to rely on clean electricity instead of fuel-powered auxiliary engines while on the ground, cutting emissions and improving air quality.

Part of a Europe-wide sustainability push

The 39 projects selected across the EU will focus on:

• Expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including high-power megawatt chargers for cars and trucks.
• Developing hydrogen refuelling stations for land and maritime transport.
• Electrifying ports and airports to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• Supporting alternative fuel solutions such as ammonia and methanol for shipping.

More funding opportunities ahead

AFIF operates through a rolling call for proposals, with the next funding round deadline set for 11 June 2025, offering an additional €578 million for sustainable transport initiatives.

Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas welcomed the latest funding approvals, stating that the projects will deliver nearly 5,000 new charging points, including 626 megawatt chargers, helping Europe transition toward a cleaner and greener transportation system.