With flights to Larnaka not only resuming, but expanding for the new season, we spoke to Maria Kouroupi - Senior Manager of Aviation Development, Marketing & Communications at Hermes Airports Ltd - about how connectivity and accessibility is developing at Larnaka International Airport. 

With the start of the new tourist season and travel re-opening, what is new at Larnaka International Airport in terms of routes and capacity? 

This year, despite the losses we are facing due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we remain optimistic that we will have at least 50% more passenger traffic than in 2021. We are still below the 2019 record year (figures are expected to be close to 70% of 2019), however the fact that we have 33 airlines operating routes to 80 destinations in 33 countries to/from Larnaka airport is a good indication that solid recovery is underway. A number of new routes have been introduced or re-introduced after a gap due to the pandemic, whilst the development of the French market that started last year continues with new operations this summer from Paris; as well as other markets such as the Scandinavian and the UK. 

What advantages does Larnaka offer as a destination for travellers? 

Larnaka has been transforming over the past few years thanks to the development of new business centres, new hotels and the imminent construction of the integrated port and marina. These all create a new momentum to invigorate the city as a business destination. Moreover, the rural areas of Larnaka offer authentic experiences that meet the needs of leisure tourists who wish to experience the history, arts and crafts, and the culture of the country. 

The airport offers award-winning facilities for passengers with special needs; what kind of services are available? 

At Hermes Airports we place an emphasis on providing exceptional customer service to our passengers, and the airports’ infrastructure has been redesigned to accommodate help points, blind paths and changing places (the first of their kind in Cyprus). Our most recent project, which was launched in December 2021, is the ‘Sunflower Lanyard’. This globally recognised symbol indicates non-visible disabilities. The airport staff from all the companies operating at the airports have been trained via the Hermes Academy with a focus on how to approach and provide customer service to people with hidden disabilities who wish to move through the airports independently. The use of a lanyard discreetly notifies the airport staff of any passengers who may need support, help, or just a little more time to navigate the airport processes.