More than 50,000 passengers are travelling through Cyprus airports every day in August, with traffic expected to reach its peak later this month despite the impact of the Middle East crisis on passenger numbers earlier in the year.
An average of around 52,000 passengers are currently travelling daily through Larnaca and Paphos airports, including arrivals and departures. Around 36,000 use Larnaca Airport, while approximately 16,000 travel through Paphos.
The figures are broadly similar to those recorded during the same period last year, despite losses caused by the regional crisis, particularly in March and April.
Passenger traffic expected to peak
Passenger traffic is expected to increase further in the coming days, with the peak forecast for 22 August.
According to information from Hermes Airports, more than 62,000 passengers are expected to travel through the two airports on that day, including arrivals and departures.
Cypriot travellers heading abroad are also contributing to the increased August traffic, with Greece expected to be one of the most popular destinations.
The number of weekly flights from Larnaca to Greece has risen to 129 in August, compared with 121 in July. Paphos has a further 37 weekly flights to Greece.
Israel and UK among key markets
Israel accounts for the highest number of weekly flights from Larnaca, with 139 scheduled services. Greece follows with 129, while the UK has 127.
At Paphos Airport, the UK is the leading destination market, with 125 scheduled weekly flights. Israel follows with 49 weekly services.
During the current peak period, daily passenger numbers at the Cyprus airports exceed 50,000, while the average number of daily flights reaches around 230 at Larnaca and 95 at Paphos.
July traffic down just 1%
Hermes Airports Director of Aviation Development, Marketing and Communications Maria Kouroupi recently highlighted the significant improvement in passenger traffic following the downturn caused by the Middle East crisis.
Passenger traffic in July was just 1% lower than in the same month last year, while August is also expected to record satisfactory levels.
However, Kouroupi said passenger numbers are not expected to reach last year’s levels because some airlines have reduced the number of available seats as a result of the crisis.
She noted that overall losses have been significantly reduced compared with March and April, describing the development as “very encouraging”.
The outlook for 2027 is also positive, provided there are no new unforeseen developments.
Paphos records 7% increase
A total of 1,635,055 passengers travelled through the two airports in July, with the decline compared with July 2025 limited to 1%.
Paphos Airport recorded particularly strong performance, with passenger traffic increasing by 7% compared with July last year.
Hermes Airports said the increase reflects stronger connectivity and a wider range of travel options available to passengers.
The overall picture for 2026 has also improved. Between January and July, passenger traffic was 3.7% lower than during the same period in 2025.
Based on current forecasts, passenger traffic for the full year is expected to finish between 3% and 5% below 2025 levels, provided geopolitical conditions in the region remain favourable.
UK remains biggest market
The main markets for the January-July 2026 period were:
- UK: 23%
- Greece: 17%
- Israel: 10%
- Poland: 9%
- Germany: 5%
- Romania: 3%
- Austria: 3%
- Armenia: 3%
- Italy: 2%
- Hungary: 2%
Hermes Airports noted that the comparisons are being made against 2025, which was the best year in the history of Cyprus airports in terms of passenger traffic.
Despite the challenges, the company said Cyprus’ air connectivity remains strong, with 54 airlines operating flights to and from Larnaca and Paphos airports.
The two airports currently connect Cyprus with 165 destinations across 42 countries.
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