Larnaca Airport Hits a Record 9.9 Million Passengers — and a Big Upgrade Is Now Under Way

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Larnaca International Airport is coming off its busiest year yet, and anyone flying from the island through 2026 will be sharing the terminal with more travellers — and, increasingly, with construction crews. Here is what the latest figures show, what is being built, and what it means for your next trip. This reflects reporting as of 2026; airlines and airports change schedules and plans regularly, so always confirm details on the airline or airport website before you book.

Larnaca's record year in numbers

The headline is a big one. According to Aviation Week, Larnaka International Airport handled 9.9 million passengers in 2025 — an increase of 15% year over year, and a 21% increase compared with pre-pandemic levels, despite ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

A lively group of flamingos wades through the waves of a Patagonian beach. — photo by Ema Reynares / Pexels

That is not a one-off spike. The airport, managed and operated by Hermes Airports, maintained stable operations throughout the year, underlining the resilience of Cyprus's aviation market. The growth has also earned recognition: this strong performance placed Larnaca among the shortlisted airports for the Routes Europe Awards 2026 in the 5–20 million passengers category.

For passengers, a record year is a double-edged thing. More flights and more airlines mean more choice and, often, more competitive fares — but a terminal built for a smaller crowd feels the strain. That is precisely why the next part matters.

The infrastructure upgrade under way

The busy numbers are arriving at the same time as major building works. As Aviation Week reports, passenger growth is occurring alongside the backdrop of a major infrastructure upgrade.

Scenic view of the historic Paphos Castle on the Cyprus seafront. — photo by Bob Jenkin / Pexels

The plan is not limited to Larnaca. Routes, the aviation industry publisher, notes that Hermes Airports plans to expand air service to key underserved markets while launching a major infrastructure upgrade at Larnaka and Pafos airports. In other words, both of the island's gateways are in the frame, not just the larger one at Larnaca.

The practical takeaway for travellers is simple: works and record crowds together mean you should allow extra time at the airport, particularly at peak summer periods and on early-morning banks of departures.

A wobble, then a fightback

The story of 2026 has not been all smooth climbing. Hermes Airports has been candid that conditions shifted. According to Aviation Week, 2026 began with strong momentum that continued through the first months of the year, but recent geopolitical developments rapidly reshaped market conditions, affecting passenger traffic and forward bookings.

The operator's answer was to act quickly. Hermes Airports responded immediately, engaging in continuous communication with airline partners and working closely with local stakeholders to strengthen confidence in the destination. On the commercial side, a targeted incentive scheme was introduced to support weakened load factors and the capacity already planned for Larnaca Airport, prior to these developments. For flyers, incentives aimed at keeping seats filled can translate into keener fares — though nothing is guaranteed.

Wherever you end up going, it pays to sort the basics early: book somewhere to stay while the good-value places are still free, and hire a car if you are heading somewhere the trains do not reach.

What is actually flying this winter

The record traffic is underpinned by an unusually broad network. According to Routes, Cyprus welcomed the Winter 2025–2026 season with 37 countries, 34 airlines and 101 routes served from Larnaca and Paphos, and the season introduced 13 new routes and 4 new markets.

Captivating view of a winding road through Troodos mountains, Cyprus, showcasing lush nature. — photo by Bob Jenkin / Pexels

Here is how a few of the moving parts compare, based on operator and industry reporting.

Development	What it is	Source
2025 passengers	9.9m at Larnaca, up 15%	Aviation Week
Winter 2025–26 network	37 countries, 34 airlines, 101 routes	Routes
Infrastructure	Major upgrade at Larnaca and Paphos	Routes / Aviation Week
New markets (winter)	Albania, Skopje, Slovakia, Spain	Routes

On the network side, this winter's schedule added direct flights linking Cyprus to destinations including Albania, Skopje, Slovakia and Spain, while Wizz Air expanded with destinations including Barcelona, Venice, Tirana, Skopje, Gyumri, Suceava, Timisoara, Cluj and Bratislava. Existing services were strengthened too: several routes saw increased frequencies, including those from the United Kingdom, Poland, Germany, Italy, Israel, Hungary, Georgia and Moldova.

What it means if you are flying from Cyprus

If you use Larnaca regularly, the practical advice is to build in buffer time, keep an eye out for fare offers driven by the incentive scheme, and check your route is still operating on your dates — the network is expanding fast, but airlines add and drop services throughout the year.

A scenic street along the coast in Larnaca, Cyprus with clear blue skies, waterfront, and walking pedestrians. — photo by Valeria Drozdova / Pexels

FAQ

How many passengers did Larnaca Airport handle in 2025

According to Aviation Week, Larnaca handled 9.9 million passengers in 2025, up 15% year over year and 21% above pre-pandemic levels. That made it the airport's busiest year on record and helped earn a place on the Routes Europe Awards 2026 shortlist.

Is Larnaca Airport being expanded

Yes. Industry publisher Routes reports that Hermes Airports plans a major infrastructure upgrade at both Larnaka and Pafos airports, alongside efforts to expand air service to underserved markets. Expect building works to run alongside normal operations, so allow extra time at peak periods.

Have there been any setbacks to Cyprus air traffic in 2026

There have. Aviation Week reports that after a strong start to 2026, geopolitical developments reshaped market conditions and affected passenger traffic and forward bookings, prompting Hermes Airports to introduce a targeted incentive scheme to support load factors and planned capacity. How this plays out over the year remains to be seen.

Where can I fly direct from Cyprus this winter

Quite widely. According to Routes, the Winter 2025–2026 season covers 101 routes across 37 countries from Larnaca and Paphos, with new direct links to markets including Albania, Skopje, Slovakia and Spain. Always confirm your specific route and dates on the airline or airport site, as schedules change.