Passenger traffic at airports exceeded the total traffic of the entire pre-pandemic year of 2019, reaping benefits for Cyprus’ economy and tourism, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades said on Friday.

The minister highlighted that 2019 was a record year for passenger traffic, and this year is expected to mark a three per cent increase since then.

According to Vafeades, the increase in passenger traffic is a result of improved airport connectivity. Increased flight frequencies, more airlines using Cyprus’ airports and more routes available to passengers played a key role in the developments.

This year, 157 routes were offered by 56 airlines, providing connectivity to 39 countries.

Vafeades added the boost in passenger traffic left a positive impact on the economy and tourism.

He heralded the developments as a result of the joint efforts between the transport ministry, Hermes Airports and the deputy ministry of tourism.

The minister stressed he will continue his efforts to further enhance the connectivity of Cyprus and improve the level of service to passengers through Larnaca and Paphos airports.