Newsroom
Travelers passing through Larnaca Airport might be surprised to find that while a government-mandated price cap sets the cost of a 500ml bottled water at just 60 cents, actually finding one at that price is a different story.
Airport catering businesses have found a clever way around the rule by restricting the sale of price-controlled water to vending machines—which are only available in certain public areas. Meanwhile, seated customers at cafés and other outlets are left paying much higher prices for the same product.
The price cap, set by the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, and Industry, only applies to "standing customers"—a detail that airport vendors have fully exploited. Instead of offering the discounted water at their counters, they direct customers to vending machines, conveniently located near designated “Water Points.”
A sign posted at these locations informs travelers that a specific brand of 500ml bottled water is available for 60 cents, but only if purchased while standing. For those who sit down at cafés or food outlets, the price cap no longer applies.
Adding to the confusion, the decree does not require businesses to offer all brands or packaging sizes at the capped price. Instead, vendors are only obliged to sell one specific brand of 500ml water at the regulated price, while other options remain significantly more expensive.
While seven free water refill stations exist at Larnaca Airport (and four at Paphos Airport), the reality is that many travelers—especially those rushing between flights—may not have time to track them down, making them easy targets for overpriced alternatives.
Critics argue that this workaround defeats the purpose of the price cap, which was introduced to protect consumers from excessive charges in places where competition is limited. Instead, airport businesses have turned a well-intentioned policy into a game of technicalities, ensuring they comply with the letter of the law—while keeping their profits high.
For now, travelers looking for a fair deal on bottled water at Larnaca Airport will have to stay on their feet and hunt for vending machines—or risk paying far more for the same product.
