Cyprus has recorded an all-time high in passenger traffic for 2024, with figures surpassing last year’s total by 30 November. The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works announced that passenger volume is projected to grow by 5% compared to 2023, marking a significant milestone for the country’s aviation sector.
Transport Minister Alexis Vafeadis expressed his satisfaction with the remarkable results, highlighting the broader economic and tourism benefits.
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Unprecedented Passenger Numbers for November
November 2024 alone saw a record-breaking 715,231 passengers pass through Larnaca and Paphos airports — a 7.01% increase from the same month in 2023. This achievement represents the highest-ever performance for November.
From January to November 2024, passenger volume also hit a historic peak, registering a 5% increase year-on-year. Larnaca Airport experienced a 7.39% rise in passenger numbers, while Paphos Airport saw a 6.05% increase. Key source markets included the United Kingdom, Greece, Poland, Israel, and Germany. Air traffic at both airports grew by 4.89%, with a total of 6,309 flights recorded.
Growing Demand Presents New Challenges
The surge in passenger numbers presents what the Ministry described as a “pleasant problem” — managing the growing demand until necessary infrastructure investments are completed. Plans are underway to expand airport facilities to better accommodate the increased traffic.
Minister Vafeadis acknowledged the collective effort behind the success, extending gratitude to his team and key stakeholders, including the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and Hermes Airports Ltd. Their coordinated efforts to expand the country’s airline network and introduce new routes played a decisive role in achieving this growth.
“The addition of new airlines and routes has been a game-changer,” the Ministry noted, emphasizing the role of enhanced connectivity in driving passenger traffic growth.
With demand on the rise and investments in airport infrastructure in progress, Cyprus is well-positioned to sustain its role as a key regional aviation hub, further bolstering its economy and tourism sector.
