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Tag: air travel

  • Cyprus flights: Flights to Cyprus Disrupted as Greece Closes Airspace Over Technical Issues

    Cyprus flights: Flights to Cyprus Disrupted as Greece Closes Airspace Over Technical Issues

    cyprus flights — cyprus flights — Flights to and from Cyprus were significantly disrupted after Greece closed its airspace on Sunday due to a technical problem with radio frequencies. This closure, described by Greek authorities, had immediate repercussions for numerous flights between the two countries.

    • As of now, passengers planning to travel to or from Cyprus are urged to stay informed about their flight status and the ongoing developments regarding airspace safety.

    Cyprus flights: Immediate Effects on Travel

    The Cypriot transport ministry confirmed that the airspace closure impacted not only direct flights between Cyprus and Greece but also those flights heading to or from Cyprus that were scheduled to fly over Greek airspace. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for updates before heading to airports.

    Timeline of Events

    The issue began shortly before 10am on Sunday when the Greek civil aviation authority issued a directive to halt all flights in Greek airspace. Reports suggest that the technical difficulties were related to communications between aircraft and control towers, which are crucial for safe air travel.

    Flight Diversions and Limitations

    According to Euronews, as the situation unfolded, aircraft headed for Greek airports were ordered to divert, with many rerouted to neighbouring Turkey. As the afternoon progressed, the Greek civil aviation authority reported that a limited number of flights were starting to take off and land at airports across Greece, but the overall volume of air traffic remained restricted.

    Investigation Underway

    Authorities stated that the problem is currently under investigation in collaboration with external experts. The situation highlights the importance of reliable communication systems in aviation, as even minor technical issues can lead to widespread travel disruptions.

    As of now, passengers planning to travel to or from Cyprus are urged to stay informed about their flight status and the ongoing developments regarding airspace safety.

  • Paphos Welcomes 10,500 Hotel Beds for Winter Season

    Paphos Welcomes 10,500 Hotel Beds for Winter Season

    hotel beds — Nearly 10,500 hotel beds are available in Paphos district for the winter season, according to official figures from the Paphos hoteliers association. The association’s president, Evripides Loizides, noted that while this number is similar to last year, hotel occupancy rates are unexpectedly high.

    In an interview with the Cyprus News Agency, Loizides remarked that “December was satisfactory compared with the same period last year,” reinforcing the belief that Paphos is solidifying its status as a year-round tourist destination.

    The optimism surrounding Paphos tourism is further buoyed by a remarkable year in 2025, where an estimated 4.5 million arrivals were recorded across Cyprus. Although not all visitors opt for hotel stays, the overall performance of the hotel sector has been encouraging, and Loizides is hopeful that this positive trend will continue.

    Demand appears to be shifting towards last-minute bookings, with Loizides emphasising the importance of low-cost flights in maintaining occupancy levels. Notably, markets in Poland and Germany are emerging as significant sources of tourists, especially following the decline of visitors from Russia. Meanwhile, Israel continues to show strong arrival numbers, albeit with shorter stays.

    Looking ahead, Loizides expressed cautious optimism but highlighted potential challenges in the UK market, particularly regarding the length of British tourists’ holidays. He explained that while the number of arrivals is essential, the duration of stay significantly impacts overall revenues.

    Excitingly, Paphos is set to see the launch of three weekly Lufthansa flights starting April 1, which Loizides considers a positive development for the region. Other airlines, including Ryanair, are also maintaining successful operations.

    Despite the positive outlook, the tourism industry faces ongoing challenges. Staff shortages remain a significant concern, even with some improvements observed. Additionally, Loizides raised issues regarding water availability due to reduced rainfall and rising operational costs, which could affect the sector’s profitability. “When the numbers are doing well, everything else is doing well,” he concluded, suggesting that a strong season tends to diminish the visibility of these problems.

    Earlier in the year, the Cyprus hoteliers association (Pasyxe) reported that tourist arrivals from January to December 2024 reached 4,040,200, marking a 5.1 per cent increase from 2023. Revenues also surged to €3.209 billion, nearly 20 per cent higher than in 2019, the last year before the pandemic struck.

    The UK remains a crucial market, contributing approximately a third of total arrivals, with 1,373,634 visitors. Following the UK, Israel, Poland, and Germany contributed significantly to the overall tourist figures.

    Pasyxe president Thanos Michaelides noted that while the island has made substantial progress in overcoming previous barriers, it still faces structural challenges. These include competition from unlicensed short-term rentals, issues stemming from the north, high operating costs, and persistent staff shortages.

  • Larnaca-Brussels Direct Flights Secured for Cypriot EU Presidency

    Larnaca-Brussels Direct Flights Secured for Cypriot EU Presidency

    The Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union has secured direct flights between Larnaca and Brussels for one year, enhancing connectivity for travellers. This significant achievement was made possible through a successful Public Service Obligation (PSO) tender, which is a key step in facilitating travel during Cyprus’s leadership role within the EU.

    Direct flights: Flights Set to Commence Soon

    Scheduled to begin in December 2025, the direct air link is anticipated to serve tens of thousands of passengers, effectively connecting Cyprus with the European Union’s central hub. The Cypriot government has prioritised this initiative, recognising the importance of ease of travel during its upcoming presidency, which officially starts on 1 January 2026.

    Details of the Tender Process

    The PSO tender, which closed on 30 October 2023, received a single bid from Aegean Airlines. Cypriot officials, working in tandem with the EU Secretariat and the European Commission, ensured the tender process was thorough and compliant with EU regulations. This collaboration underscores the importance of the initiative for both Cyprus and the EU.

    Flight Schedule to Support High Visitor Numbers

    The agreement, expected to be formalised shortly, outlines the following flight frequencies:

    • December 2025: 3 weekly flights
    • January – June 2026: 5 weekly flights
    • July 2026: 3 weekly flights
    • August – November 2026: 2 weekly flights

    These flights are designed to accommodate the influx of visitors anticipated during the Cypriot Presidency, which will involve approximately 260 informal meetings and is expected to draw around 28,000 visitors for various high-level gatherings.

    Government Commitment to Enhanced Connectivity

    Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna and Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades have been instrumental in driving this initiative forward. Their systematic efforts to promote these flights, in collaboration with relevant bodies in Cyprus and Brussels, highlight the government’s commitment to ensuring that the presidency is not only successful but also accessible to international visitors.

    As Cyprus prepares to take on this pivotal role within the EU, the establishment of direct flights between Larnaca and Brussels marks a significant milestone in enhancing its connectivity and facilitating important diplomatic engagements.

  • Bird strike — Boeing 737 on Cardiff to Paphos Route Diverts to Birmingham After Bird Strike

    Bird strike — Boeing 737 on Cardiff to Paphos Route Diverts to Birmingham After Bird Strike

    A Boeing 737 aircraft flying from Cardiff to Paphos was forced to make an emergency landing in Birmingham after experiencing a bird strike shortly after takeoff. The incident occurred on Sunday evening, causing the aircraft to divert for safety reasons.

    Bird strike: Flight Path and Emergency Landing

    Shortly after leaving Cardiff Airport, the aircraft climbed to approximately 3,000 feet. As it flew over Swansea Bay, the pilots reported the bird strike and made the decision to circle the area before redirecting to Birmingham. The plane landed safely at Birmingham Airport, where fire engines and emergency response teams were on standby.

    Passenger Experience and Safety Protocols

    Fortunately, the landing was executed without incident, and passengers were able to disembark safely. A spokesperson for the airline reassured that no engine damage was sustained, emphasising that the diversion was a precautionary measure in line with standard operating procedures.

    Official Comments on the Incident

    A representative from Birmingham Airport stated that their fire service had followed established protocols to ensure the safety of everyone onboard during the emergency landing. Meanwhile, a source from Hermes Airports, which manages Cyprus airports, confirmed the details of the incident, stating that the flight was redirected due to the bird strike shortly after departure.

    Arrangements for Affected Passengers

    In light of the diversion, the airline made arrangements for passengers to continue their journey to Cyprus on alternative flights, as the affected Boeing 737 remained in Birmingham for further checks and evaluation. The swift response and adherence to safety protocols ensured that the situation was managed effectively, allowing passengers to reach their destination with minimal disruption.