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Hermes Airports: September traffic sets all-record with 1.4 million passengers

September ended on a positive note in terms of passenger traffic at Larnaka and Pafos Airports. Last month, 1.4 million passengers travelled to and from Larnaka and Pafos airports, further contributing to the upward trend observed this year. Compared to September 2023, passenger traffic increased by 7%, and this September’s performance set an all-time record for the month.

For September, the top markets for Larnaka Airport were the United Kingdom, Greece, Israel, Poland, and Germany, while for Pafos Airport, the top markets were the United Kingdom, Greece, Poland, Israel, and France.

The trend in passenger traffic has shown an upward trajectory over the past nine months. From January to September, a total of 9.5 million passengers travelled through both airports, representing a 5% increase compared to the same period last year.

In October, the flight schedule continues to hover at around 1,000 flights per week, and the data available for the winter season is very encouraging. Specifically, from November to March, an additional 300,000 seats have been added compared to the same period last year, which had already seen an increase.

The Director of Aviation Development, Marketing and Communication of Hermes Airports, Maria Kouroupi stated, “It is crucial to maintain the positive prospects for steady growth and to invest in the development of year-round connectivity, which will bring multiple benefits to our country.”

Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.

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