Cyprus airports record all-time high passenger traffic in 2023

Passenger traffic at Cyprus airports in 2023 exceeded 11.6 million, with an average of 32,000 passengers per day.

Traffic in 2023 had an increase of 3% compared to 2019, marking the best performance ever recorded at Cyprus Airports.

Specifically, 8.1 million passengers travelled from and to Larnaca Airport marking an increase of 34% compared to 2022, with an average load factor of 81%. From and to Paphos Airport, 3.6 million passengers travelled, recording an increase of 12% compared to 2022, with an average load factor of 89%. Overall, 52 airlines operated from the two airports, flying to 39 countries and 159 routes.

According to the Paphos and Larnaca airports managing company Hermes Airports, the average traffic per day in the summer was 41,000 passengers, while in the winter it was 18,000 passengers.

This recovery is attributed to the restoration of connectivity to 2019 levels for traditional markets such as the United Kingdom while there was substantial penetration into other markets. For 28 markets which represent 66% of total passenger traffic, an increase was recorded compared to 2019, including Poland, Italy and Hungary among others.

During 2023, 18 new destinations were added such as Basel, Toulouse, Bordeaux and Naples. During 2023, the average frequency of existing flight schedules was increased on average by one flight per week, enhancing our efforts to further develop existing markets.

A key contribution was made by the incentive scheme for airlines, in which Hermes Airports has invested over 120 million euros while focusing on targeted digital marketing campaigns to promote Cyprus abroad.

According to Hermes, an even more significant achievement for 2023, and an opportunity for 2024, is considered the increase in the winter schedule of the airlines, contributing to establishing Cyprus as a year-round destination while offering a variety of choices for passengers.

During winter 2023-2024, there is a 30% increase in available airline seats in comparison to the corresponding period of 2019, with an average of 70 flights per day. During this winter season, 30 airlines will operate flights to 35 countries and 102 destinations from Larnaca and Paphos airports.

Maria Kouroupi, Senior Manager of Aviation Development and Communication of Hermes Airports stated, “Despite adversities and continuous challenges, we managed to surpass the 2019 record and create a new milestone which will be established as a benchmark. The increase in passenger traffic and the reinforcement of connectivity on an island like Cyprus create a stable foundation for the substantial development of various sectors of the economy. The country’s connectivity is on a solid base, and we look towards 2024 with optimism”.