Newsroom
The Cypriot government has handed out one-time payments to drivers whose cars were grounded because of faulty airbags, a move aimed at easing frustration and financial strain caused by a nationwide vehicle recall.
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works confirmed Thursday that eligible drivers received €100 for each week their vehicle was immobilized, covering cases from October 31, 2025, or earlier. The payments apply to those who had already scheduled appointments to replace defective airbags, with the recall process expected to continue through January 2026.
“This support is meant for those who were hit hardest, low-income households, seniors with limited pensions, single parents, large families with four or more children, and owners of disabled-access vehicles,” a ministry spokesperson said.
The cash payouts were issued in collaboration with the Welfare Benefits Management Service, part of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare. Disabled vehicle owners will see their payments deposited in the coming days. Additional rounds of payments are planned to cover future periods affected by the recall.
To further help citizens, the government also provided free tickets for public transportation to those whose vehicles were sidelined, ensuring people could still get around despite the airbag crisis.
For many drivers, this package offers a small but meaningful relief after weeks of waiting and disruptions caused by the recall, which has left hundreds of cars off the road across Cyprus.
