Cyprus Eyes Underserved Markets As Traffic Grows

As Hermes Airports prepares for a 5.5% jump in annual passenger traffic in 2025 to 13 million passengers, it is doubling down on plans to expand air service to key underserved markets, while launching a major infrastructure upgrade at both Larnaka and Pafos airports.

“Madrid is one of the few major European capitals without a direct connection to Cyprus, despite the significant number of 53,000 passengers that traveled indirectly between the two countries last year,” Hermes Airports director of aviation development, marketing and communication Maria Kouroupi told Routes at Routes Europe 2025 in Seville, Spain. “This makes Larnaka-Madrid an important target for a potential future connection.”

In 2024, Hermes saw the introduction of two new airlines—Air Haifa and Air Horizon—the launch of five new routes and the expansion of frequencies on 15 existing services. Notably, the share of winter traffic rose to 25% of total annual passengers, up from 20% five years ago.

In 2025, four additional airlines—Sky Up, Animawings, Dan Air and Saudia—are set to join the network, alongside the introduction of 10 new routes, including the restoration of Larnaka-Riyadh.

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Other route development priorities include Brussels, Dublin, Tallinn and Geneva. “Dublin is currently only served from Pafos, despite strong demand for a direct connection from Larnaka,” Kouroupi said. “Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, is also only served from Pafos, even though many passengers travel indirectly between the two destinations.”

Hermes supports air service development with a route incentive program that reimburses up to 40% of airport costs for new services. “Hermes also works closely with tourism authorities in Cyprus to support new routes through joint marketing activities,” Kouroupi added. “These synergies allow us to ensure that flights and destinations are highly promoted, increasing the awareness for both, airlines and the destination.”

To accommodate growth, Hermes is beginning phased expansion works at both Larnaka and Pafos airports. The upgrades include new gates, baggage systems, commercial space and aircraft parking at Larnaka, and a 30% increase in terminal capacity at Pafos. Once complete, the airports will be able to handle 12.4 million and 5 million passengers annually, respectively.