The cost of the new airport, which is being passed through to the airlines, and the increased cost of service provision combined together are unaffordable for many of the carriers, in the current harsh economic climate.

Commenting on the new airport, Luc Geens, Manager, Operations, IACA said:

“The airlines find all the flag waving for this new airport bittersweet. It is inappropriate in today's difficult environment to add more costs for our carriers and making Larnaca one of the most expensive airports in Europe to fly to.”

“While the Cypriot Government has helped airlines with the reduction in landing charges, we need these to be extended for at least one more year.”

“We have written to the Government of Cyprus to ask for an extension of the cost reductions. At a time when Cyprus desperately needs income from tourism, we hope that its Government realises that the airlines are not just cash cows.”