Cyprus will experience widespread disruption on Thursday as a three-hour nationwide strike affects airports, schools and public services amid a dispute over the Cost-of-Living Allowance (CoLA).

Hermes Airports confirmed on Wednesday that more than 50 flights at Larnaca and Paphos airports could be delayed or cancelled between 11am and 2pm, potentially affecting over 15,000 passengers.

The airport operator later clarified that the total number of passengers impacted is expected to exceed 15,000.

Due to the strike, the following flights have been cancelled: Jazeera Airways to and from Kuwait (JZR345/JZR346), Qatar Airways to and from Doha (QTR265/QTR266), and Emirates from Dubai to Larnaca and from Larnaca to Malta (UAE109).

Hermes added that, in coordination with ground handling companies, extra staff will be deployed after 2pm to assist the increased number of passengers.

Airlines were working to reschedule affected flights, but passengers have been urged to contact their airline, travel agent, or ground handling company for updated information.

Hermes Airports urged the public to monitor their messages and to contact their airline or travel agent directly for updated flight times. New schedules will also be published on the Hermes Airports website at www.hermesairports.com once confirmed. 

Hospitals will remain open with security staff, though Peo clarified that not all sectors will require cover. 

“Only where it is needed. Essential services will operate as normal,” the union said, defending the action as unavoidable. 

“Salary increases have been applied unfairly for decades. They should continue for everyone, including minimum wage earners. All trade unions agree, and we are moving forward together.”

Schools are preparing for early closures. Parents are advised to collect children at 11am, as school buses will not operate during the strike. Students attending all-day schools should return at 2pm to continue lessons. No school lunches will be provided. Privately run community nursery schools will follow guidance set by their employers.

Health services will continue with reduced staffing. The national health scheme (Okypy) said hospital wards and A&E departments will operate with skeleton staff from 11am to 2pm. Scheduled operations are planned to finish before the strike, and emergencies will be attended at all times. Patients with appointments or procedures during the strike will be informed of any changes, with rescheduling arranged promptly.

The strike follows failed talks on Monday between unions, employers and the government over CoLA reforms, which also include changes to taxes and pensions. President Christodoulides described the reforms as a “huge modernisation” of the 1960 system. 

“Reforms unavoidably lead to reactions. But our main aim is to modernise the 1960 state, always to the benefit of the people,” he said.

Christodoulides pointed out that “all reforms, including tax, CoLA and pensions, always aim at serving the people, to whom we are accountable”.

“So, I am urging all to strengthen our effort even more regarding reforms. It is important that we move forward,” the president said.

Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou said the allowance must be updated to meet current societal needs, adding that any agreement will require legal regulation. 

“Modernisation is needed. CoLA should be granted on a graduated scale. I do not believe a public servant earning €300,000 a year needs CoLA to cope with rising costs. By contrast, someone earning €1,000 a month truly does,” he explained.

Sek, Peo and other major trade unions insist the strike is necessary to protect workers, including minimum wage earners. Employers expressed support for modernisation through dialogue but criticised the mobilisation, stressing that essential services must maintain minimum operations. Demonstrations are also planned in towns across Cyprus during the strike.

Political reactions remain divided. Akel has called for full restoration of allowances, Edek has backed the strike as a last effort, and the Greens have expressed support for reform. Business groups warned of economic risks. President Christodoulides appealed for calm, noting that industrial action does not advance reform goals.

Thursday’s strike is expected to affect homes, schools, airports, and workplaces across the country as unions and the government continue discussions on CoLA, workers’ conditions, and public sector reform.