Newsroom
Cyprus officially kicked off the long-awaited Phase II expansion of its two main airports this week, setting the stage for a major upgrade to how people travel in and out of the island. In a ceremony held on Thursday, June 5, at Larnaka International Airport, President Nicos Christodoulides laid the foundation stone that marks the beginning of the €170 million development project.
The expansion, which is fully funded by Hermes Airports, will see big improvements at both Larnaka and Pafos airports, including more space, more services, and a smoother experience for the growing number of travelers coming to and from Cyprus.
Time capsule, tarmac and takeoff
Under the blazing summer sun and the gaze of diplomats, officials and industry stakeholders, a time capsule was sealed beneath the foundation stone. It contained a message from Hermes Airports, a newspaper, and symbolic items meant to capture the moment.
President Christodoulides called the project “strategically important” for Cyprus. “Upgrading our airports isn’t just about more flights,” he said. “It’s an investment in tourism, trade, and our economy as a whole. It's about giving Cypriots and our visitors the travel experience they deserve.”
What’s changing?
At Larnaka Airport, the revamp will add 20,000 square meters of space. Travelers can expect new departure and arrival gates, faster baggage claim with more belts, more passport control points, and better shopping options. Aircraft parking will also be expanded.
Over in Pafos, the terminal will grow by about 30%, improving check-in and boarding times, while the extension of a key taxiway will boost efficiency on the tarmac.
When finished, Larnaka Airport will be able to handle 12.4 million passengers a year, up from around 10 million, and Pafos will serve up to 5 million passengers annually.
A private-public partnership that works
Chairman of Hermes Airports, Christophe Petit, highlighted the strength of the public-private partnership behind the project. “This is a new chapter for Cyprus aviation,” he said. “We've been working closely with the state since 2006, and this next phase shows what can be achieved through long-term vision and teamwork.”
Construction is being carried out by a joint venture between Bouygues Batiment International and Cyprus-based Iacovou Brothers. Work began earlier this year and is expected to wrap up in about 30 months in Larnaka and 27 months in Pafos.
With the summer travel season already in full swing and tourism rebounding, this expansion comes at the right time. For European travelers looking to escape to the sun, smoother arrivals and departures in Cyprus can make a big difference, especially at peak times.
The upgrades also position Cyprus as a stronger hub for regional and international traffic, improving the island’s connectivity and long-term competitiveness.
