Cyprus airports report passenger traffic decline in March 2026

Hermes Airports reported a 15.3 per cent decline in passenger traffic for March 2026, with numbers falling to 599,200 from 707,200 in March 2025. Larnaca Airport saw a 17.1 per cent decrease to 415,700 passengers, while Paphos Airport experienced a 10.7 per cent decline to 183,500. For the first quarter of 2026, the total passenger volume reached 1.8 million, including 1.3 million through Larnaca and 537,300 through Paphos. The operator attributes this downturn to the Middle East crisis and the ongoing war in Iran and the Gulf region, which have caused a spike in cancellations. Booking behavior has shifted due to safety concerns, leading to the cessation of flights to Qatar. This decline marks the end of a period of consecutive record-breaking traffic levels recorded in previous months, particularly in January and February 2026. The shift represents a significant reversal for the island's tourism industry during the spring period.