The role of civil aviation in the life of Cyprus is almost impossible to over-value. The industry's assets include two international airports: the main "air gateway" is Larnaca, while Paphos serves a smaller number of flights and is categorized as a regional airport. The coordinated work of ground services at both ports is managed by Hermes Airports Ltd.
Paphos airport is located 6.5 km southeast of the city on the Mediterranean coast. Its services are primarily used by tourists and residents of the western and central parts of the country.
The airport's navigational data:
- IATA code: PFO, ICAO code: LCPH;
- geographic coordinates: E 32°29' 08"/N 34°43' 05";
- time zone (winter/summer): UTC +2/+3, operating mode - 24/7;
- position relative to sea level: + 12 meters;
- runway: landing courses - 110/290°, dimensions 2700 x 45 meters, covering - asphalt concrete.
History
The operational activity of Paphos Airport began in 1982. At first, it served up to four flights per day and registered no more than 200 passengers. The opening of the terminal significantly improved access to the west coast resorts and served as a strong argument for the development of the region. The steady growth of passenger traffic, as a consequence of the flourishing tourist industry, led to an overload of airfield services, which harmed the quality of service.
At the beginning of the noughties, the potential of the old infrastructure was exhausted, so in 2006, the operator Hermes Airports Ltd decided to build an air terminal complex. In November 2008, a new terminal was opened at Paphos Airport, equipped with the most modern equipment at that time. As a result, the airport's capacity increased to almost 3 million passengers per year. At the same time, the cargo complex and the runway were thoroughly reconstructed.
The next stage in the development of Paphos International was the signing of an agreement with the largest European budget carrier RyanAir. According to the agreements reached, Paphos became the company's regional hub, which led to a significant increase in investment and the opening of new destinations. The funds received were used to modernize the airport, which had a positive impact on passenger comfort and service time.
However, in recent years, mass crowds of passengers have once again started to form at the check-in desks at the height of the season. The Mayor of Paphos, Mr. Fedonas Fedonos, demanded that the management company take the necessary measures to improve the quality of service. An effective way out of this situation could be the organization of a separate arrivals hall and the transfer of its current space for departures. The operator assures that the necessary solutions will be found.
Infrastructure and services
The area of the airport terminal is more than 20 thousand m2, and arrival and departure halls are located on different sides and connected by a common space. There are 28 check-in desks, 7 boarding gates, and 3 baggage claim carousels to serve passengers. Restaurants and cafes, Duty-free stores, and souvenir stores are located on 1.6 thousand m2 of retail space. The comfortable Premium Lounge is available for passengers of all classes and airlines for an additional fee. It offers satellite TV, a wide range of drinks, and hot and cold snacks. The lounge is located behind the passport control area opposite Gate 7.
At the service of all those staying at the airport:
- bank branch and ATMs, currency exchange office;
- medical center and car rental;
- support service for people with disabilities;
- free Wi-Fi;
- luggage storage and packing;
- parking lot for 800 cars.
To entertain passengers, a kind of "museum" is opened in the lobby, in which confiscated items prohibited for transportation from passengers are exhibited. The Skytrax rating agency classifies Paphos Airport as a 3-star regional tourist air harbor. The evaluation criteria include comfort, cleanliness, stores, food quality, staff attitude, security, and immigration control. The agency commented positively on the range and quality of food, but control staff are not always hospitable during peak months.
Who flies
Given the location of the airport, passengers taking off and landing airliners can observe through the portholes beautiful panoramas of the Mediterranean. 22 aircrafts are simultaneously accommodated on the Paphos apron and these are primarily low-cost carriers. Apart from the already mentioned Ryanair, whose fleet numbers more than 800 Boeing 737s, Easyjet, Jet2, and TUI charters are on the list of regular guests.
With the growing number of vacationers in the high season, German Lufthansa, French Transavia and several other airlines are starting to operate regular flights to Pafos International. As a reminder, local carriers Cyprus Airways and TUS Airways are based in Larnaca. Pafos Airport connects Cyprus with more than 20 countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. Of these, the maximum number of destinations are open to the UK. Despite the relatively modest size of the airfield, the largest airliner to ever land at Paphos is the legendary Boeing 747.
How to get there
The airport is connected to Paphos town by the B6 highway. To get to Limassol, Larnaca, and Nicosia you need to take the A6 highway.
How to get by public transportation from the airport to the cities:
- Paphos - route No. 612 to Kato Paphos seafront or No. 613 to Caravella bus station ;
- Nicosia - route no. 613 to Karavella station, then change to intercity bus no. 26;
- Limassol - route no. 613 to Karavella station, then change to intercity buses no. 46 or 56;
- Larnaca - route no. 613 to Karavella station and then change to intercity buses no. 36 or 46.
In addition to buses, you can also take a Cyprus cab. The cost of a trip to Paphos is about 20 euros, to Limassol - about 70 euros, to Larnaca - about 120 euros. Anyone wishing to rent a car should remember that Cyprus has left-hand traffic! Avis, Hertz, Eurocar, Sixt and Astra & Petsas agencies work at Paphos airport. All of them offer cars of different classes at competitive prices. The prices will be more favorable if you book your car in advance. For rentals, whose term does not exceed one month, it is enough to have an international license.
In conclusion, Paphos is a dual-use airport. In its northeastern part, there is a base of the Cypriot Air Force called "Andreas Papandreou". It serves as the southeasternmost center of the EU Air Force, used for humanitarian operations or in emergencies. In particular, specially equipped airplanes and helicopters take off from here to fight natural fires or to conduct search and rescue operations.
Paphos International Airport on the map
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