Breaking news

Larnaca And Pafos Airport Terminal Extensions Signal Strategic Growth

Major Infrastructure Investments Set To Redefine Regional Air Travel

The expanding airport infrastructure in Cyprus is poised to significantly bolster operational capacity and passenger experience. Recent agreements between the state and Hermes Airports, the managing entity of the island’s international air terminals, have paved the way for ambitious upgrades at both Larnaca and Pafos airports. The renewed concession agreement, extended by 18 months to November 11, 2032, marks a pivotal moment in modernizing these key transportation hubs.

Larnaca Airport: A Four-Level Terminal Expansion

The comprehensive development at Larnaca Airport focuses on a multi-level expansion of its terminal building. Initiated at the end of March following the successful completion of the finance package, the project is spearheaded by a consortium comprising Bouygues Batiment International SAS and Iacovou Brothers (Constructions) Ltd. With a total investment of €170 million fully financed by Hermes Airports, the expansion covers approximately 20,000 square meters. Notable improvements include the addition of a new wing with dedicated arrival and departure gates, enhanced baggage claim belts, upgraded passport and security control areas, expanded commercial space, and increased aircraft stand capacity.

Project Breakdown

Key initiatives at Larnaca include the development of new facilities across distinct levels:

  • Basement Level: Installation of new electromechanical spaces alongside an upgraded freight reception area.
  • Level 1: Expansion of the baggage claim area with the addition of a new conveyor belt.
  • Level 2: Creation of an enlarged space for passport and security screening, along with new administrative offices.
  • Satellite Structure: Construction of a single-story satellite building adjacent to the existing aircraft parking area, designed to house four new passenger waiting lounges and provide both boarding and deplaning functionality, with future expansion capabilities.
  • Additional Infrastructure: Establishment of a new aircraft parking area to streamline operations.

Upon completion, the terminal’s capacity is expected to rise dramatically, allowing it to handle up to 12.4 million passengers annually.

Pafos Airport: Enhancing Efficiency And Capacity Through Focused Expansion

At Pafos Airport, a single-level expansion project is underway to deliver a 30% boost in terminal capacity. This targeted upgrade is designed to refine passenger experience and streamline procedural efficiency. The project encompasses the addition of advanced electromechanical installations, an expanded baggage claim area with a new belt, and increased operational space for passport and security clearances. The commercial area is similarly set for enhancement, ensuring that the airport delivers superior service while maintaining optimal functionality.

A Strategic Commitment To Modern Air Transport

These projects underscore a strategic commitment to modernize Cyprus’s air transportation infrastructure. With the Phase 2 works slated for completion in 27 months at Pafos and 30 months at Larnaca, Hermes Airports is realigning its long-term vision to meet growing demand. Since the original 25-year concession took effect on May 12, 2006, these developments represent a forward-thinking investment framework geared to support forecasted passenger numbers, which will reach 5 million annually at Pafos. Such asset enhancements not only facilitate a smoother travel experience but also strengthen the region’s position as a critical air transport hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Central Bank Of Cyprus Balance Sheet Reflects Strong Eurosystem Position

Overview Of Financial Stability

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has released its latest balance sheet, reaffirming its steadfast role within the Eurosystem. The balance sheet, featuring total assets and liabilities of €29.545 billion, underscores the institution’s stable financial posture at the close of January 2026.

Asset Allocation And Strategic Holdings

Governor Christodoulos Patsalides issued the balance sheet, which details the CBC’s asset composition under the Eurosystem framework. Notably, the bank’s gold and gold receivables amounted to €1.635 billion, providing a significant hedge and stability to its balance sheet. Additional asset categories include claims on non-euro area residents denominated in foreign currency at €1.099 billion, while claims on euro area residents in both foreign and domestic currency add further depth to its portfolio.

The most substantial asset category, intra-Eurosystem claims, reached €19.438 billion, an indication of the CBC’s deep integration with its European counterparts. Furthermore, euro-denominated securities held by euro area residents contributed €6.587 billion. Despite a marked emphasis on these areas, lending to euro area credit institutions in monetary policy operations recorded no activity during the period.

Liability Structure And Monetary Policy Implications

On the liabilities side, banknotes in circulation contributed €3.218 billion. Liabilities to euro area credit institutions associated with monetary policy operations were notably the largest single category, totaling €17.636 billion. Supplementary liabilities included those to other euro area residents, which aggregated to €4.989 billion, with government liabilities playing a predominant role at €4.754 billion.

Other liability items, such as claims related to special drawing rights allocated by the International Monetary Fund at €494.193 million, and provisions of €596.571 million, further articulate the CBC’s exposure. Revaluation accounts stood at €1.643 billion, and overall capital and reserves were confirmed at €333.822 million, completing the picture of a well-capitalized institution.

Conclusive Insights And Strategic Alignment

The detailed breakdown illustrates the CBC’s sizeable intra-Eurosystem exposures, reinforcing its central role within Europe’s monetary landscape. With an asset-liability balance maintained at €29.545 billion, the CBC’s financial position remains robust, indicating a commitment to structural stability and strategic risk management.

This fiscal disclosure not only provides transparency into the CBC’s operations but also serves as a benchmark for comparative analysis among other central banks within the Eurosystem, highlighting the intricate balance between asset liquidity, regulatory oversight, and monetary policy imperatives.

Uol
eCredo
Aretilaw firm
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter