Cyprus’ international airports Larnaca and Paphos, which are controlled by French led consortium Hermes, have announced a passenger traffic record for 2008. According to the latest findings over 7,238,000 passengers passed through Larnaca and Paphos airports last year. This is an increase of more than 3% and betters the previous record made last year of 7,009,803 passengers. In a statement Hermes Airports Ltd public relations and communications manager Adamos Aspris said: "We are happy with the new record for passenger traffic at both our country's airports in 2008. “The past year signified the beginning of a new era for air transport in Cyprus as the new Paphos Airport began its operations. “Even though 2009 is expected to be affected by the global economic downturn, Cyprus' airports are welcoming the New Year with an encouraging and optimistic message, which is none other than the opening of the new contemporary Larnaca international airport in 2009. Approximately 5.5 million passengers passed through Larnaca international airport during 2008, an increase of 4% in relation to 2007. An increase in passenger traffic was also recorded at Paphos international airport where about 1,760,000 passengers used Cyprus' second international airport in 2008. In December 2008 alone, both airports served over 320,000 passengers who travelled to and from Cyprus during the Christmas period. However, the greatest traffic was observed during the month of August when over 1,020,000 passengers used the country's two airports. Mr Aspris went on to say that despite any possible downturn in the market, Hermes was going to see a successful opening of their new terminal. He said: “With the two new International Airports in operation, Hermes Airports aims to provide not only a higher standard of service to travellers coming to and from Cyprus but also to strengthen the country's economy, particularly the tourism industry.” Despite the good news, just two days before these figures were released there was a strike held at Larnaca which caused major delays to many departing flights. The strike was held by 30 Swissport ground staff. Their actions delayed flights from Cyprus to locations in Europe including Greece, France, the Netherlands and Italy. Rhino car hire has also seen increased use of its services in 2008 at both Larnaca and Paphos with sales going up by 20%. A Rhino car hire spokesperson said that Cyprus was well placed to weather the economic downturn and that everyone in the travel business had a duty to try and offer value for money in order to stimulate tourism. A number of Rhino users who were surveyed said that they chose to use Rhino because it offered them the cheapest and most comprehensive package that they could find for car hire in Cyprus. Another boost to Cyprus’ tourist industry is being given by the German supermarket retailer Aldi which is offering cut price flights to Cyprus. They claim their offers will be half the price of deals from travel agents.
Robert Frische.