CYPRUS: Passenger traffic soars at Paphos airport

According to operator Hermes Airports, Paphos grew by 27% in a decade, and from 1.8 million passengers in 2006, last year it welcomed 2.3 million passengers.
In total, more than 12,700 jobs in the tourist industry across Cyprus, out of which 3,000 concern Paphos airport, are sustained by the operation of the two international airports.
With an annual contribution of more than 500 million euros to the economy, corresponding to 3% of Cyprus’ GDP, Larnaca and Paphos airports are considered to be among the major drivers of economic growth and are acknowledged as key generators of thousands of jobs, the company said.
Nicos Shiacolas, honorary chairman of Hermes Airports, a consortium that manages the island’s two international airports, speaking to the press said that the Government and the Ministry of Transport, as well as the Civil Aviation and Hermes are constantly seeking ways to further boost the air traffic of the two airports.
However, he noted that the lack of a sophisticated road network hampers the development of the area. He also said that hotels in Pafos should remain open in winter as there are airlines ready to operate flights to the island.
Eleni Kalogirou, Director of Hermes, said that “we are working very closely with the government and tour operators to increase the number of visitors coming to Cyprus”.

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