Larnaca International Airport—Cyprus’ main aviation gateway—experienced another day of long queues on 30 October 2025 as a sharp rise in seasonal traffic collided with a shortage of security-screening staff.
Airport operator Hermes Airports confirmed that enhanced baggage-screening protocols introduced earlier this month have slowed throughput at departure checkpoints. Travellers reported waits of up to 75 minutes to clear security, with some missing onward connections to European hubs.
Staff representatives say more than 25 open positions in screening and baggage-handling remain unfilled, forcing double shifts and last-minute overtime. The Civil Aviation Department told local media it has fast-tracked emergency licences for 40 temporary screeners and asked private contractors for additional x-ray operators, but unions warn training takes four to six weeks.
For business travellers, the delays translate into tighter connection windows and higher travel-risk profiles. Corporate mobility managers are advising assignees to arrive at least three hours before departure and to use Fast-Track services where possible. Airlines are re-timing morning bank departures by up to 20 minutes to protect on-time performance.
Hermes says a medium-term fix is underway: two additional automated tray-return lanes will be installed by mid-December, and a tender has been issued for an external baggage-screening facility that could move 30 % of checks landside by summer 2026. Until then, employers sending staff through Larnaca should plan for potential schedule disruption and consider routing via Paphos during peak hours.
Airport operator Hermes Airports confirmed that enhanced baggage-screening protocols introduced earlier this month have slowed throughput at departure checkpoints. Travellers reported waits of up to 75 minutes to clear security, with some missing onward connections to European hubs.
Staff representatives say more than 25 open positions in screening and baggage-handling remain unfilled, forcing double shifts and last-minute overtime. The Civil Aviation Department told local media it has fast-tracked emergency licences for 40 temporary screeners and asked private contractors for additional x-ray operators, but unions warn training takes four to six weeks.
For business travellers, the delays translate into tighter connection windows and higher travel-risk profiles. Corporate mobility managers are advising assignees to arrive at least three hours before departure and to use Fast-Track services where possible. Airlines are re-timing morning bank departures by up to 20 minutes to protect on-time performance.
Hermes says a medium-term fix is underway: two additional automated tray-return lanes will be installed by mid-December, and a tender has been issued for an external baggage-screening facility that could move 30 % of checks landside by summer 2026. Until then, employers sending staff through Larnaca should plan for potential schedule disruption and consider routing via Paphos during peak hours.
