Larnaca Airport faces congestion issues during peak hours, causing inconvenience to drivers attempting to drop off or collect passengers.
The situation has deteriorated since last year when authorities closed the access road to the arrivals area following October 7, citing security concerns. Ten months on, the lack of effective measures has led to an untenable situation, particularly over the past three months.
Despite efforts to increase parking capacity, the problem persists due to rising passenger numbers. Citizens have voiced their frustration to Phileleftheros, criticising relevant state services for their perceived negligence in implementing solutions akin to those at Paphos Airport.
Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades acknowledged the issue, stating, “The arrivals road cannot be reopened due to security reasons. We are considering adding a drop-off area on the airport’s upper level to separate arrivals from departures.”
Hermes, the airport’s operator, has added approximately 350 new parking spaces this year and reported a 15% increase in airport shuttle bus usage. However, Vafeades noted that the surge in passenger traffic has outpaced infrastructural improvements.
“There was a similar problem at Paphos Airport, where we added a drop-off area, and now people are happy,” Vafeades stressed.
He added: “The second phase of the airport expansion is pending. We are in negotiations following the 2022 setback. While I hope for a swift resolution, immediate adjustments are necessary”.
The congestion is exacerbated by illegal parking, with some drivers leaving vehicles in unauthorised areas, including a small roundabout near the airport, risking traffic collisions. Police spokesperson Christos Andreou reported that 135 out-of-court fines have been issued for illegal parking at the airport since the beginning of the year.
Hermes stated it continues to implement state instructions and has introduced a reduced parking fee of €1 for the first 20 minutes in designated areas.
