Cyprus Airports Surge Passenger Numbers, Boosting Tourism Potential

Cyprus Passengers Reach Historic Highs in August

The island of Cyprus has witnessed an unprecedented surge in air travel, with the combined passenger count at Larnaca and Paphos airports reaching 1.8 million in August 2025. This marks a significant increase from the 1.6 million passengers recorded in the same month the previous year, demonstrating robust demand and a thriving tourism sector that continues to rebound strongly post-pandemic.

Larnaca Airport led the charge with 1.3 million travelers passing through its gates, an increase over 1.2 million the year before. Meanwhile, Paphos Airport recorded 501,100 passengers, up considerably from 439,900 in August 2024. This growth not only highlights Cyprus’s increasing appeal as a travel destination but also the effectiveness of ongoing infrastructural enhancements at these key gateways.

Consistent Growth Over Months

The upward trend is not a flash in the pan; passenger traffic has consistently surpassed the one million mark monthly for five consecutive months, underscoring a stable and expanding travel market on the island.

Comparing these figures to pre-pandemic levels from 2019 reveals a strong rebound, with passenger numbers now surpassing those from before global travel restrictions.

Airport Expansion Projects Aim to Meet Demand

To keep up with this rising wave of tourists, Cyprus has embarked on significant airport development projects worth approximately €170 million. Construction began in early 2025 for the second phase of a large-scale enhancement plan intended to boost capacity and improve passenger experience at both Larnaca and Paphos airports.

Larnaca Airport Expansion Details

• An expansion covering around 20,000 square meters.
• A new wing adding arrival and departure gates directly linked to the main terminal.
• Additional baggage claim belts to streamline luggage processing.
• New areas dedicated to passport control and security screening.
• Enlarged commercial zones for shops and services.
• Expanded aircraft parking capacity to handle more flights simultaneously.

Improvements Planned for Paphos Airport

Paphos will see its terminal capacity grow by about 30%, enhancing operational efficiency and making the overall travel experience more comfortable and faster for passengers. Additionally, the southern parallel taxiway will be extended, which will increase the airport’s flexibility in handling aircraft movements.

Completion timelines for the projects are around 30 months at Larnaca and 27 months at Paphos, after which Larnaca will boast an annual capacity of 12.4 million passengers, and Paphos will be able to handle up to 5 million annually.

Tourist Arrivals and Economic Impact

The growth in airport traffic correlates closely with an increase in tourist arrivals and economic benefits for the region. Data from July 2025 reveals a 6.9% rise in tourist arrivals over the previous year, with 589,116 visitors recorded in that month alone. This contributed to a 10.4% increase during the first seven months of the year, where total arrivals reached 2,432,129.

Here's a snapshot of the major visitor source markets in Cyprus during this period:

• United Kingdom – leading market.
• Israel and Poland following in close pursuit.
• Notable growth in visitors from the Netherlands, Poland, and Romania.
• A decline observed in arrivals from Greece and Sweden.

Most tourists (about 85.5%) travel to Cyprus for leisure purposes, while the number of Cypriot residents returning from overseas also rose by 9.1% in July, adding further vitality to the island’s internal tourism economy.

Tourism Revenue Increase

Economic gains from tourism are clear, with revenue for June 2025 jumping by 9.6% to €422.3 million and spending per tourist rising by 6%. For the first half of the year, total tourism revenue hit €1.38 billion, a remarkable 21.3% increase compared to the previous year. These figures indicate a strong recovery and growth trajectory following the record-breaking year in 2024, when over four million visitors were welcomed.

Cyprus Tourism: A Historical Perspective

Tourism in Cyprus has evolved significantly over the decades. The island was initially a modest visitor destination before the 1960s. After gaining independence and developing new infrastructure like the Larnaca airport, Cyprus quickly attracted more tourists, particularly from the United Kingdom. The tourism industry faced setbacks following political events in the 1970s but rebounded strongly with renewed investments in resorts and facilities.

In the early 21st century, Cyprus became widely recognized for its sunny beaches, charming marinas, and diverse landscapes, making it a hotspot in the Mediterranean for both mass tourism and more specialized activities like yachting and fishing.

Today, the government’s strategic goals include diversifying tourism beyond the traditional "sun and sea" offering to create an all-year-round destination with special interest tourism, bolstered by major infrastructure projects including expanded ports and marinas aimed at accommodating more yacht charters and superyachts.

Looking Forward: Cyprus in the Tourism Arena

The ongoing expansions at Cyprus’s airports and the steady rise in tourist arrivals position the island firmly on the map as a key Mediterranean hub. With growing visitor numbers and infrastructural improvements, Cyprus is poised to enhance its attractiveness for diverse tourists – from beach lovers to sailing enthusiasts.

The expansions will facilitate smoother travel experiences, potentially increasing the demand for boat and yacht charters as more visitors seek to explore Cyprus’s picturesque coastline and its vibrant marinas. Sailing activities, fishing excursions, and yachting holidays could see a surge alongside traditional sun and beach tourism.

As a prominent marine destination, Cyprus’s enhanced connectivity and capacity promise to enrich the options for travelers interested in yacht charter, sea adventures, and marine recreation, encouraging longer stays and repeat visits.

Summary of Key Figures and Impacts

In the scale of international tourism, Cyprus demonstrates a compelling case for sustainable growth by balancing infrastructural capacity with increasing visitor demand. Given its strategic location and natural assets, the island is likely to maintain its status as a celebrated tourist and yachting destination for years to come.

For those looking to explore Cyprus’s stunning coastlines, the integration of improved airport facilities with the scenic maritime environment promises enriched opportunities for charters and boat rentals. Cyprus’s marinas and clear turquoise waters offer a perfect playground for sailors and fishing enthusiasts alike, making it an ideal destination for diverse boating activities.

For travelers interested in sailing or renting a yacht to enjoy Cyprus’s beautiful sea and coastal resorts, the international marketplace GetBoat.com offers a comprehensive selection of boats, yachts, and superyachts to suit a variety of tastes and budgets. This platform makes sailing adventures accessible, connecting visitors with captains and the best maritime experiences on the Mediterranean.

In summary, Cyprus is not only breaking records in air travel but also setting the stage for boosted maritime tourism, enhancing its appeal as a multifaceted destination where the ocean, sun, and modern infrastructures harmoniously converge.