Hermes Airports reports passenger traffic trends and airline operational costs

Hermes Airports recently provided an update on Cyprus's aviation sector, noting that passenger traffic at Larnaca and Paphos airports reached 1.43 million in October 2026, a 3% decrease compared to the same month in 2025. The company projects that total annual passenger traffic for 2026 will reach 13.3 million, also reflecting a 3% decline from the record-breaking figures of 2025. These developments were discussed during the Routes World 2026 event in Frankfurt, held from October 21 to 23, where officials held over 30 meetings regarding future flight schedules.

Maria Kouroupi, Director of Aviation Development and Communication at Hermes Airports, attributed current market pressures to rising operational costs, particularly fuel prices. While airlines have largely absorbed these costs so far, Kouroupi noted that they may gradually pass expenses to passengers. Ticket prices remain primarily driven by supply, demand, and market competition, with more competitive routes offering better price stability. Despite these challenges, airlines have expressed interest in expanding their flight programs to Cyprus for 2027. Future planning focuses on navigating high fuel costs and changing booking behaviors, as travelers increasingly finalize reservations closer to their departure dates.