Hermes Airports, the main operator of Cyprus's airports, reports a significant positive outlook for the upcoming high season. Following the CONNECT 2026 route-development forum in Lublin, the company has identified a strong pipeline of new airline capacity, potentially exceeding pre-pandemic levels. The company’s Director of Aviation Development, Maria Kouroupi, revealed that 20 meetings with various airlines have taken place, with several seeking additional slots for Larnaca and Paphos airports, aiming to expand services both seasonally and year-round.
In contrast to the cautious approach of the previous year, due to high fuel costs and airspace restrictions, the current outlook is optimistic. Airlines from the UK, Poland, Scandinavia, and Switzerland are reporting double-digit increases in bookings compared to last year. Moreover, emerging markets like Spain and Italy are showing strong growth momentum. The surge is attributed to factors such as a weaker euro, pent-up demand for sun destinations, and proactive government marketing campaigns that include hotel discounts and sports packages.
To incentivize airline expansion, the Cypriot authorities are offering perks such as waived landing fees for new services and joint promotional efforts. These measures aim to stimulate the extension of seasonal routes into shoulder months, consequently increasing overall passenger traffic. Should these developments materialize fully, Cyprus is poised to surpass its 2019 record of 11.6 million passenger movements, positioning itself as a year-round hub for aviation and business in the region.
