According to Hermes Airports data released on Tuesday, throughout 2008 over 7,238,000 passengers passed through the country’s International Airports, which translates to an increase of 3.26% and overturns the previous record last year of 7.009.803 passengers. Approximately 5.5 million passengers passed through Larnaka International Airport during 2008, an increase of 4% in relation to 2007. An increase in passenger traffic was also recorded at Pafos International Airport where about 1,760,000 passengers used Cyprus’ second International Airport in 2008.

“In December of 2008 alone, both airports served over 320,000 passengers who travelled to and from Cyprus during the Christmas period. The greatest traffic, however, was observed during the month of August when over 1,020,000 passengers used the country’s two airports”, the report said.

In a statement, Hermes Airports Ltd Public Relations and Communications Manager, Adamos Aspris said: «We are happy with the new record for passenger traffic at both our country’s airports in 2008. The past year signified the beginning of a new era for air transport in Cyprus as the new Pafos Airport began its operations. Even though 2009 is expected to be affected by the global economic downturn, Cyprus’ airports are welcoming the New Year.