Travel-and-tourism analytics released on 17 December show Brussels Airport expecting 1.06 million passengers between 19 December and 4 January—its busiest festive period ever. Among the newly introduced winter routes underpinning the surge is Aegean Airlines’ five-times-weekly A320neo service to Larnaca, Cyprus, launched on 1 December. The link gives Belgian travellers a direct path to winter-sun breaks on the island while providing Cypriot residents with one-stop access to scores of long-haul destinations via Brussels.
Hermes Airports, operator of Larnaca and Paphos, welcomed the capacity boost, noting that passenger numbers have exceeded 10 million so far in 2025 and are on course for an annual record. Tourism officials say the Brussels connection could add up to 25,000 inbound leisure visitors during the low season—a valuable offset to volatility in traditional source markets such as Israel and the UK.
![Larnaca added to Brussels Airport’s record Christmas schedule as holiday travel surges]()
The route also enhances corporate connectivity: several multinational firms with Cyprus headquarters already maintain EU operational hubs in Belgium’s capital, and the new schedule allows same-day round trips for business meetings when combined with early-morning departures from Larnaca. Aegean’s use of the fuel-efficient A320neo aligns with Cyprus’ push to market itself as a sustainable destination ahead of its EU Council presidency in 2026.
Before booking, travellers unfamiliar with Schengen or Cyprus entry rules can streamline their preparations through VisaHQ. The platform’s dedicated Cyprus portal (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) offers real-time visa requirements, digital application assistance and expedited processing options, ensuring both Belgian holidaymakers and Cyprus-based executives connect via Brussels with the correct documentation in hand.
Mobility teams should note that promotional fares are available until 31 December, and that Brussels Airport is advising passengers to arrive three hours before departure during peak days (19 and 29 December). Travellers transiting the Schengen Area will clear immigration in Brussels; Cypriot nationals can use the EU/EEA e-gates, while third-country assignees should ensure their Schengen visas cover multiple entries.
Hermes Airports, operator of Larnaca and Paphos, welcomed the capacity boost, noting that passenger numbers have exceeded 10 million so far in 2025 and are on course for an annual record. Tourism officials say the Brussels connection could add up to 25,000 inbound leisure visitors during the low season—a valuable offset to volatility in traditional source markets such as Israel and the UK.
The route also enhances corporate connectivity: several multinational firms with Cyprus headquarters already maintain EU operational hubs in Belgium’s capital, and the new schedule allows same-day round trips for business meetings when combined with early-morning departures from Larnaca. Aegean’s use of the fuel-efficient A320neo aligns with Cyprus’ push to market itself as a sustainable destination ahead of its EU Council presidency in 2026.
Before booking, travellers unfamiliar with Schengen or Cyprus entry rules can streamline their preparations through VisaHQ. The platform’s dedicated Cyprus portal (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) offers real-time visa requirements, digital application assistance and expedited processing options, ensuring both Belgian holidaymakers and Cyprus-based executives connect via Brussels with the correct documentation in hand.
Mobility teams should note that promotional fares are available until 31 December, and that Brussels Airport is advising passengers to arrive three hours before departure during peak days (19 and 29 December). Travellers transiting the Schengen Area will clear immigration in Brussels; Cypriot nationals can use the EU/EEA e-gates, while third-country assignees should ensure their Schengen visas cover multiple entries.
