Cyprus is regaining its status as a travel destination as flights to key markets restart, according to the Association of Cyprus Travel and Tourism Agents (ACTTA) president Charis Papacharalambous. On Monday, Papacharalambous announced that air connectivity to and from the island is returning to normal following the resumption of significant flights from Britain and the Lufthansa Group.
Restoration of Air Connectivity
The restoration of air links is expected to boost demand for accommodation in Cyprus, mirroring the recovery of flight operations. In a statement to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Papacharalambous emphasised that there is currently no security concern that should deter travellers from planning their trips. He reassured potential visitors, stating, “There is no increased security risk in Cyprus compared to any other European country.”
Impact of Regional Instability
These comments follow an announcement from Hermes Airports, which confirmed that connectivity with Europe has been re-established after the resumption of several flights temporarily suspended due to regional instability. The airport operator noted that key routes interrupted by recent events in the Middle East have resumed operations, enhancing connections from Cyprus’s two international airports.
Expanding Flight Options
Airlines from the Lufthansa Group, including Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Edelweiss Air, and Eurowings, have recommenced flights to and from Larnaca International Airport and Paphos International Airport. Additionally, British Airways, easyJet, and Transavia have also restarted operations, further enhancing travel options between Cyprus and various European destinations.
Upcoming Flight Schedules
On March 9, a total of 102 flights are scheduled to take off from Larnaca airport, indicating the gradual return to normal flight activity. Meanwhile, Paphos airport is set to handle 36 flights on the same day. This revitalisation of air travel indicates a strengthening of connections with a wide range of European and regional destinations.
Direct Routes from Cyprus
Larnaca now boasts direct connections with numerous locations, including the United Kingdom via Wizz Air, British Airways, and easyJet. Flights to Greece are covered by Aegean, Sky Express, Cyprus Airways, and Wizz Air, while German connections are facilitated by easyJet, Eurowings, and Lufthansa. Other destinations include links to the Netherlands, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Egypt, Italy, France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Armenia.
Continued Caution and Travel Advice
While the resumption of flights is promising, some routes remain cancelled, particularly those to and from Israel, Qatar, Bahrain, and Lebanon. Hermes Airports has stressed the importance of staying informed about travel plans, urging passengers to consult airline websites or contact their travel agents for the latest updates on bookings and flight schedules.
Papacharalambous concluded by highlighting the significance of this normalisation of flight activity as a crucial step in safeguarding the Cypriot economy against the impacts of regional instability, particularly within the tourism sector.
