Exceptional Growth in Passenger Numbers
Between January and May 2025, Larnaca and Paphos airports collectively handled more than 4 million passengers, representing an impressive 12.02% increase over the same period in 2024. In May alone, the two airports welcomed 1,282,882 passengers, a 12.47% rise compared to May of the previous year.
This sustained growth is a testament to the robust recovery and expansion of the Cypriot tourism and travel industry following several years of pandemic-induced downturn.
Airport-Specific Performance
Larnaca Airport was the primary driver of this growth, recording a notable 19% increase in passenger volume in the five-month period compared to 2024. In contrast, Paphos Airport saw a slight decrease of 1.36% in passenger throughput, despite contributing positively to the overall figures. The surge at Larnaca reflects its expanded connectivity and increased flight offerings, especially on routes with high demand.
Key Source Markets and Route Trends
The main origin and destination markets fueling the growth at Cyprus airports include:
- Israel
- United Kingdom
- Poland
- Germany
- Armenia
Aircraft movements also saw a positive trend, with a 10.25% rise compared to the same period last year, totaling 9,518 flights during January–May 2025. Larnaca Airport recorded the greatest absolute increases on routes connected to Israel, Poland, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Armenia. Meanwhile, Paphos Airport experienced increases on flights from the United Kingdom, Jordan, Poland, Hungary, and Germany.
Market Dynamics: Increases and Decreases by Country
Despite the overall positive momentum, some markets registered a contraction in passenger numbers. At Larnaca Airport, the largest decreases were observed on routes with France, Jordan, Norway, Switzerland, and Belgium. For Paphos, declines were registered on routes with Greece, Romania, France, Estonia, and Israel. These fluctuations reflect shifting travel dynamics, changes in airline strategies, and possibly seasonal or economic factors affecting specific regions.
Implications for Cyprus Aviation and Tourism
This unprecedented level of passenger traffic underscores Cyprus’s growing attractiveness as a tourism destination and business hub in the region. The double-digit percentage increases in both passenger volume and flight movements indicate a strong rebound as well as continued growth momentum. The primary airports’ ability to absorb and manage growing volumes efficiently bodes well for future prospects, particularly as the peak summer season approaches.
Additionally, the expansion in passenger traffic and flight frequencies is expected to have far-reaching positive effects on the local economy, supporting employment, hospitality, and related sectors. The Ministry of Transport’s data highlight the effectiveness of efforts made to expand international connectivity and market Cyprus as a year-round destination.
Conclusion
The record-breaking figure of over 4 million passengers at Cyprus’s airports in the first five months of 2025 reflects both a remarkable recovery and ongoing expansion in the island’s aviation and tourism sectors. With Larnaca Airport emerging as the main contributor and strong performances from markets such as Israel, the UK, Poland, Germany, and Armenia, Cyprus is well-positioned to set new benchmarks in passenger traffic as it heads further into 2025 and beyond.