December 19, 2019

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2019 is coming to a close with a new passenger traffic record for the international airports of Larnaka and Pafos, as they welcomed 11 million passengers for the first time.

Specifically, it is estimated that more than 11.3 million passengers will have travelled to and from the two airports by the end of the year, continuing the upward trend of the past few years, with passenger traffic recording an increase of 60% between 2013 and today. 

Hermes Airports held a special event today at Larnaka International Airport to celebrate this record, in the presence of the Minister of Transport, Communication and Works, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, MPs, institutional representatives and businesspeople of the tourism sector. During the event, the company shared a video that presented all of its achievements since 2006, when it assumed the operation and development of Larnaka and Pafos airports, having invested more than €640m. In his welcome address, the Minister of Transport, Mr Yiannis Karousos, having congratulated Hermes Airports and all the parties involved in the proper and safe operation of the airports, said that although it was a difficult year for the air transport sector, due to efforts that were made, had positive results. He also said that the government is committed to supporting the development of the air transport sector, through bilateral air service agreements and memoranda of understanding.

On her part, Hermes Airports’ Chief Executive Officer, Ms Eleni Kaloyirou, reported that the 11 million passenger record signals a new era. “Our planning is based on the gradual reduction of our dependence on saturated markets, further expanding Cyprus’ connectivity to new destinations, and attracting tourists from countries that were previously poorly represented”, she added. She also highlighted the importance of putting forward the National Tourism Strategy of Cyprus and promoting the country’s new brand.

Ms Kaloyirou also referred to the renovation of a number of public spaces at the two airports, the aim of which is to provide an upgraded travel experience for passengers, as well as a multifaceted “Sense of Cyprus” for visitors, through facilities that reflect the island’s history and nature.

Meanwhile, Hermes Airports’ CEO also presented the company’s environmental plans relating to the operation of the two airports. What stands out amongst the company’s initiatives is last summer’s commitment for net-zero carbon emissions at Larnaka and Pafos airports by 2050 (NetZero 2050 deal). Already, Hermes Airports has acquired the highest level of the ACA certification (Level 3+), after reducing the carbon emissions of its facilities to the greatest possible extent, while in 2020 the company will also start building photovoltaic parks at Larnaka and Pafos airports in order to save energy by 25% and 30%, respectively.

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