A new European Commission report has highlighted key developments in transport and tourism in Cyprus, showing that private cars remain the dominant mode of travel while air passenger traffic continues to grow.
The report, Transport and Tourism in the European Union – Current Trends and Issues, was published on Wednesday and examines recent developments across the EU and individual member states.
According to the report, 83.5% of domestic passenger travel in Cyprus was made by private car in 2023, compared with the EU average of 82%. Buses and coaches accounted for 16.5% of journeys, well above the EU average of 8.2%.
Road safety and congestion
The report found that transport-related greenhouse gas emissions, including international aviation and maritime fuels, accounted for 37.9% of Cyprus’ total emissions in 2023, equivalent to 3.9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.
On road safety, Cyprus ranked eighth among the EU’s 27 member states for the lowest number of road deaths per million inhabitants in 2023, recording 36 fatalities per million people.
The country ranked 14th for the lowest number of road deaths per passenger kilometre, with 46 deaths per 10 billion passenger kilometres.
However, congestion remains a challenge. Drivers in Cyprus lost an average of 40.2 hours in peak-hour traffic during 2023, significantly above the EU average of 28.6 hours.
Electric vehicle charging exceeds target
The Cyprus transport report also highlighted progress in electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Under the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation, Cyprus had a charging power target of 608 kilowatts, while the country’s installed charging capacity reached 15,472 kilowatts.
Larnaca remains busiest airport
Larnaca Airport was Cyprus’ busiest airport in 2024, handling 8.876 million passengers.
Overall, Cyprus recorded 12.514 million air passengers during the year, representing 0.8% of total passenger traffic across the European Union.
Larnaca also handled 30,600 tonnes of air freight, accounting for almost all of Cyprus’ total air cargo volume of 30,700 tonnes.
In maritime transport, Limassol Port recorded the highest passenger traffic, with 9,000 passengers in 2024.
For freight, Zygi Port handled the largest cargo volumes, processing 4.212 million tonnes, or 47% of Cyprus’ total maritime freight of 8.945 million tonnes.
EU tourism reaches record levels
The report says 2025 was a record year for tourism across the European Union, with overnight stays in tourist accommodation exceeding three billion.
Spain, France, Germany and Italy accounted for more than 60% of all overnight stays.
The EU welcomed 582 million tourist arrivals during the year, representing 38% of global tourism arrivals.
The Commission said its forthcoming Sustainable Tourism Strategy aims to support a more competitive, sustainable and inclusive tourism sector while strengthening resilience and supporting local communities.
Also read: Larnaca: Caravans removed and illegal shacks demolished
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