Taxi drivers in Cyprus have gone on strike this morning at 7 AM in protest against ongoing issues in the sector, which they claim are leading them to financial ruin.
From early morning, drivers gathered with their vehicles at the GSP stadium in Nicosia, from where they plan to drive to the Ministry of Transport, the Parliament, and the Presidential Palace.
Letter from the Coordinating Committee
On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the Pan-Cypriot Coordinating Committee of Urban Taxis sent a letter to the relevant state authorities, demanding written responses and specific legal proposals to address the sector’s problems within three working days.
The taxi drivers warned that if no response is received within the given time frame, they will escalate their protest with “strong and prolonged” strikes, holding the authorities responsible for any disruptions to transport, tourism, and the economy.
The letter was addressed to the Minister of Transport, Communications, and Works, Alexis Vafeadis, the Minister of Justice, Kostas Fitiri, the President of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport, Communications, and Works, Alekos Tryphonidis, the President of the Licensing Authority, Despina Americanou, the Director of the Department of Road Transport, Giorgos Louka, and the Chief of Police, Themistoklis Arnaouti.
Key Issues Raised by Drivers
Taxi drivers are reporting that their “tolerance, patience, and good faith have run out” due to long-standing problems they say are driving their profession to destruction.
The main issue highlighted in their letter is the illegal activity of private vehicles operating as “pirate” taxis without professional licenses, as well as the “customer solicitation” by unscrupulous individuals, including foreigners, at taxi stands, squares, ports, and airports.
Additionally, they expressed concerns about ride-hailing apps, some of which they claim violate the territorial rights of urban taxis, creating unfair competition for the industry.
The letter also addresses misleading websites advertising taxi services without proper licenses and calls for stricter enforcement of the law, more inspections, and greater powers for the Department of Road Transport’s inspectors.
Additional Concerns Raised
The drivers also highlighted issues related to the rising operational costs, noting that “the sector has been crippled by an unbearable operating cost, caused by pirates who have taken a large share of the business,” as well as problems with infrastructure and organization at taxi parking areas, particularly at Larnaca and Paphos airports. They are asking for more predetermined taxi pick-up spots in other districts to ensure smooth service for their bookings and access to bus lanes at departure points for faster and safer passenger service.
The drivers further condemned the lack of basic infrastructure at taxi parking areas, describing it as “unbelievable and insulting” that facilities lack essential amenities, such as waste bins, recycling bins, and, worst of all, access to toilets. “We demand immediate human working conditions and basic respect!” they added.
They also posed several questions to the government regarding the seven-year delay in completing checks, the unequal application of the transport regime, the failure to investigate the criminal aspect of violations, and the abolition of the taxi stand law, demanding immediate legal compliance, the elimination of unfair competition, and protection for professionals.