Cyprus Airports Set To Welcome 13 Million Passengers In A Record-Breaking Year

by News Editor

April 14, 2025

Cyprus is on the verge of hitting a new milestone in air travel as Hermes Airports anticipates an influx of up to 13 million passengers in 2025. This reflects a notable 5.6% annual increase from last year’s figures, further cementing the island’s reputation as a thriving hub of connectivity.

With 55 airlines ready to operate flights to and from 158 destinations across 39 countries, the surge in passenger traffic is no coincidence. Hermes Airports, the body managing Larnaca and Paphos international airports, attributes this growth to strategic efforts aimed at enhancing air connectivity to and from Cyprus.

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New Routes And Airlines

The summer schedule introduces exciting new direct routes including Riyadh, Venice, Marseille, Düsseldorf, Lyon, and Sibiu. Significantly, the Riyadh-Larnaca connection debuts Saudia’s inclusion in Cyprus’s scheduled route network. Fresh names like AnimaWings, SkyUP, and Air Haifa are entering the market, adding vibrant options to regional air travel.

A Resilient Tourism Sector

Despite losing significant markets such as Russian and Ukrainian travel and facing global economic uncertainties, Cyprus’s tourism remains strong.

As we approach the summer, Hermes Airports is geared up to manage 145 flights daily, underscoring Cyprus’s role as a pivotal player in the Mediterranean air travel sphere. Stay tuned as Cyprus continues its journey of growth, leveraging strategic connections and resilient infrastructure.

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Digital Euro Moves Forward In EU Push For Payment Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 28, 2026

Strengthening Strategic Autonomy

At an event held at the House of the Euro in Brussels on April 22, central bank officials discussed the role of a digital euro in strengthening the European Union’s financial independence. Participants included Stelios Georgakis, Payments Supervision Director at the Central Bank of Cyprus, and Joachim Nagel, President of the Deutsche Bundesbank.

Redefining Central Bank Role In A Digital Era

Nagel stated that the digital euro is no longer viewed solely as a technical development but also as part of a broader policy direction. He emphasized the need to strengthen Europe’s payment infrastructure to ensure resilience and independence. The digital euro is intended to complement cash rather than replace it, maintaining the role of central bank money in a more digital financial system.

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Reducing Dependence On Non-European Infrastructure

According to Nagel, around two-thirds of card payments in Europe currently rely on non-European systems. This reliance is seen as a structural vulnerability. A digital euro could help reduce this dependency by supporting a more integrated and locally controlled payments framework.

Legislative Roadmap And Timeline

Looking ahead, Nagel expressed a strong optimism regarding the legislative process, suggesting that completion could occur by year‑end. This progress may set the stage for the first issuance of the digital euro as early as 2029, in alignment with Europe’s broader ambitions for financial resilience and technological advancement.

Comprehensive Payments Strategy

During the discussion, Georgakis outlined the European Central Bank’s approach to payments. The strategy combines retail and wholesale systems, including instant payments, a digital euro, and infrastructure based on distributed ledger technology. Improving cross-border payment efficiency remains a key objective.

Transforming Europe’s Financial Landscape

The discussion reflected alignment between central banks, policymakers, and other stakeholders on the direction of Europe’s payment systems. Development of a digital euro is positioned as part of a broader effort to strengthen financial infrastructure, support economic resilience, and maintain the euro’s role in a changing global environment.

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