Τhe presence of Qatar Airways in Cyprus is “very important”, as it connects the island with countries in Asia and the East, while in 2023 it is expected to transport to and from Cypriot airports around 80,000 passengers, Eleni Kaloyirou, Chief Executive Officer of Hermes Airports, said on Wednesday during an event at Larnaka Airport to celebrate the airline’s 25th anniversary.

In statements, Kaloyirou said that “today we are celebrating”, in addition to the 25th anniversary of the airline, its almost 10-year presence at Cypriot airports, the continuation of its activities in Cyprus and the closing of a very positive year that was 2022. “We look forward to the end of the coronavirus pandemic, to a much better 2023”, she added.

In response to a question, Kaloyirou said that Qatar Airways currently operates one flight per day. In 2022 the company had brought around 70,000 passengers while in 2023, around 80,000 passengers are expected from and to Doha.

While characterising the presence of Qatar Airways in Cyprus as “very important, because it connects us with the East”, Kaloyirou explained that “through this connection Cyprus can have access to countries such as Australia, New Zealand, China, India and Africa and several others to the east”.

She expressed hope that the airline would, in the coming years reintroduce a second daily flight to and from the island, “to further increase Cyprus’ connectivity.”

Mate Hoffmann, Qatar Airways’ Regional Manager for Southern Europe said that Cyprus “is an important market for us we are very much committed to rebuild our position here in this market.”

He said that they used to operate a double daily service before the Covid pandemic while currently they are operating a daily service to Doha, “and we hope that very soon we're going to have the services back, which provides excellent connectivity to the market, to the Cypriot customers to travel beyond Doha to places like Australia, Singapore, or the Asia or Africa.”

Hoffmann extended “a big thank you” to Hermes Airports for their support.