Civil aviation employees in Cyprus, represented by the union Pasydy, are considering further strikes due to unresolved staffing concerns and a lack of engagement from government officials. The staff are experiencing increased pressure and unsatisfactory working conditions since the elimination of certain positions in 2018, leading to understaffing and additional stress.
Passenger numbers at Ercan (Tymbou) Airport surged by 28% in 2024, reaching 2,181,947 travelers in the first six months. The airport’s new terminal, extended runway, and commitment to efficiency have contributed to this remarkable growth, positioning it as a key hub for regional travel.
The strike by airport staff at Larnaca and Paphos airports, led by the Pasydy union, was a response to the alleged removal of service posts by the Department of Civil Aviation, causing staff shortages. Despite the disruption, travelers passing through the airports experienced no noticeable delays or cancellations, thanks to swift action by airport operators and the short duration of the strike.
Cyprus’ aviation sector is soaring, with Hermes Airports reporting an 85 percent occupancy rate for incoming flights, showcasing the island’s resilience as a top Mediterranean destination. This uptick in travel activity is fueling economic growth, bolstering tourism and transport industries and propelling Cyprus towards recovery.
Amidst recent wildfires in Cyprus, President Nikos Christodoulides oversaw firefighting efforts to maintain safety and ensure no flight cancellations, with Wizz Air increasing flights and new routes commencing from Jordan and Kuwait, highlighting the nation’s resilience and uninterrupted tourism sector. Despite the challenges, Cyprus remains unwavering in its commitment to tourist safety and continues to strengthen ties and expand its aviation network, providing a positive outlook for the upcoming tourist season.
The government is taking bold steps to fortify firefighting against wildfires by acquiring ten private aircraft, injecting €5.5 million into ground resources, integrating aviation into the National Guard, reopening the forestry college for workforce training, and enacting stricter legislation against arson. These endeavors are geared towards bolstering both ground and aerial response capacities, marking a proactive stance in combating the escalating threat of wildfires in the nation.
Cyprus is taking a bold leap into the future of aviation by integrating artificial intelligence and cybersecurity into its aviation sector, paving the way for innovation and enhanced safety in the skies. Through strategic collaborations and initiatives like hosting international conferences and partnering with EATEO, the country is positioning itself as a vanguard in embracing advanced technologies for economic growth and regional leadership.
The restored Olympic Airways Boeing 727, “Mount Olympus,” serves as a tribute to Greece’s aviation legacy and the golden era of air travel. Renovated by Andreas Christodoulides, the aircraft now resides at the former Athens’ Ellinikon airport, symbolizing freedom, luxury, and technological innovation.
