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Wizz Air Celebrates 10 Million Passengers And Five Years Of Operations In Larnaca

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 19, 2025

Milestone Achievement In Cyprus

Low-cost carrier Wizz Air reached a significant benchmark on Thursday by transporting its 10 millionth passenger to and from Cyprus, marking five years of operations at its Larnaca base. This milestone was celebrated at Larnaca International Airport, in close collaboration with Hermes Airports.

Distinguished Attendance And Special Commemorations

The event attracted high-level government and industry officials, including Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis, Permanent Secretary Marina Ioannou Hasapi from the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, and Permanent Secretary Costas Constantinou of the Deputy Ministry of Tourism. Hungarian Ambassador Krisztina Lakos, Hermes Airports CEO Eleni Kaloyirou, Mayor Andreas Vyras, and Deputy Mayor Iason Iasonides, among other key stakeholders, further underscored the significance of this achievement.

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Strategic Incentives And Expansion Initiatives

In a move to honor its travellers, Wizz Air presented five passengers with “Golden Tickets” during the 10 millionth flight to Cyprus. Complementing this celebratory gesture, the airline announced a 10% discount on flights from Cyprus tailored for travel between November and March. In a strategic thrust, the carrier is set to broaden its network by launching 10 new routes in the near future, including inaugural services from Paphos. New destinations from Larnaca include key European cities such as Barcelona, Gyumri, Skopje, Suceava, Timisoara, Tirana, Tuzla, and Venice, while flights from Paphos will connect with Yerevan and Warsaw.

Forward Looking Vision

Andras Rado, Head of Communications at Wizz Air, emphasized the airline’s commitment to safety, affordability, and enhanced connectivity. “Cyprus remains one of the most dynamic hubs in our network, and we intend to continue investing in its future by strengthening our air connections and reinforcing the tourism sector,” Rado remarked.

Maria Kouroupi, Director of Aviation Development, Marketing and Communication at Hermes Airports, highlighted that the success of Wizz Air in Cyprus demonstrates the powerful potential of strategic collaborations. “Together, we are creating tangible value that not only benefits travellers but also supports the broader economic and tourism framework of our country,” she said.

Innovative Customer Solutions

Alongside these developments, Wizz Air announced its ‘Customer First Compass’ plan – a €14 billion initiative that includes the innovative in-app feature, ‘My Journey.’ This new tool is designed to empower passengers with more efficient flight management, reflecting the carrier’s dedication to integrating cutting-edge technology with unparalleled service.

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Bank of Cyprus Upgrade Signals Fresh Optimism For Greek And Cypriot Banks

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 26, 2026

Regional Banks Enter A More Favorable Cycle

Bank of Cyprus and Eurobank are well positioned to benefit from a renewed re-rating of Greek and Cypriot bank stocks, according to Cyprus-based investment firm Roemer Capital, which upgraded Bank of Cyprus to a buy rating and reaffirmed its positive view on Eurobank.

The firm cited easing geopolitical tensions, resilient economic growth in Greece and Cyprus, lower funding costs and Greece’s expected transition to developed-market status as the main factors supporting the sector.

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Roemer Capital also lowered its cost of equity assumptions, updated its forecasts following first-quarter 2026 results and extended its valuation horizon to the end of 2027, raising target prices across its banking coverage.

Bank Of Cyprus Gets The Largest Upgrade

Bank of Cyprus received the biggest revision, with Roemer Capital upgrading the stock from hold to buy and setting a target price of €11.10, implying potential total upside of 27%.

The firm highlighted the bank’s strong capital generation, profitability and projected 100% dividend payout, describing it as the strongest capital-return story among the banks under coverage. Roemer Capital maintained its buy rating on Eurobank, assigning a target price of €4.90 and forecasting potential upside of 28%. The report said the bank is well placed to benefit from loan growth, improving operating performance and merger-and-acquisition synergies.

National Bank of Greece and Piraeus Bank also retained buy ratings, with expected returns ranging from 25% to 36%. Optima Bank was upgraded to buy, while Alpha Bank remained at hold on valuation grounds.

Why Growth Still Sets The Region Apart

According to Roemer Capital, Greek and Cypriot banks continue to benefit from stronger economic fundamentals than many western European peers. The report pointed to faster economic growth, healthier balance sheets, low levels of non-performing exposures, capital ratios approaching 20% and strong customer deposit bases.

Analysts expect performing loans across the sector to grow at a compound annual rate of 6% to 8% through 2028, supported by private investment, digitalisation, green manufacturing, supply-chain expansion and a gradual recovery in household lending.

The report also said the conclusion of lending under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility is unlikely to materially affect credit growth, as banks have already shifted back towards traditional commercial lending. Roemer Capital expects Euribor to remain between 2.2% and 2.5%, a level it believes should support both lending activity and net interest margins.

Geopolitics, Valuation And Market Structure Support The Case

The report said improving geopolitical conditions have strengthened the investment outlook, noting that Brent crude prices have largely returned to pre-war levels while Greek government bond yields have stabilised at around 3.5%. Although geopolitical risks remain, Roemer Capital believes the likelihood of a major inflationary shock or significant pressure on bank profitability has eased.

Another important catalyst identified by the firm is Greece’s expected promotion to developed-market status by FTSE Russell, STOXX and MSCI over the coming months.

According to the report, the reclassification should improve liquidity and attract a broader base of international investors. Roemer Capital also said Euronext’s acquisition of the Athens Exchange is expected to strengthen market infrastructure and increase international visibility, particularly for Bank of Cyprus and Optima Bank.

The firm noted that Bank of Cyprus has already benefited from its Athens listing, with average daily trading value increasing from less than €400,000 before its September 2024 move to nearly €6 million afterwards.

Economic Momentum Remains A Core Tailwind

Roemer Capital said both Greece and Cyprus have moved beyond post-crisis recovery and are now supported by private-sector-led growth. For Cyprus, the report highlighted recent tax reform and efforts to simplify the legal and regulatory framework, while also noting that limited foreign banking competition continues to support domestic lenders.

Overall, Roemer Capital expects Greek and Cypriot banks to remain well-positioned for profitable loan growth over the coming years.