Fresh figures from the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) show Cyprus operating 186 scheduled departures a week from Israeli airports—more than any other country worldwide and ahead of giants such as Greece, the UAE and the United States. The data, published on 26 December, also place Cyprus joint-fourth with Italy in absolute passenger volumes from Israel at roughly 1.2 million seats in 2025.
The frequency leadership is largely due to the island’s proximity (a 40-minute hop from Tel Aviv) and a dense web of services by TUS Airways, Cyprus Airways, El Al, Arkia and low-cost carriers—including Wizz Air’s Haifa-Larnaca shuttle launched in September. Airlines have been able to turn aircraft around twice daily, creating a profitable high-frequency shuttle that appeals both to Israelis seeking quick weekend breaks and to Cypriot firms shuttling tech staff and legal teams to Tel Aviv.
For travelers who suddenly find they need a visa—whether for a spontaneous weekend getaway or a last-minute business meeting—VisaHQ can smooth the process from start to finish. The company’s dedicated Cyprus portal (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) sets out current requirements, uploads and fees in a clear checklist, and can arrange courier pickup of documents, making it easier for frequent flyers on the Israel-Cyprus route to keep their plans on schedule.
![Cyprus Tops the World in Weekly Flights Departing Israel—But Reliance on One Market Raises Red Flags]()
Yet industry analysts warn that the same numbers expose a structural vulnerability. Tourism receipts from Israel have grown 42.6 % this year and now account for nearly one visitor in five, making Israel Cyprus’ second-largest source market after Britain. If regional security or exchange-rate shocks dampen outbound Israeli travel—as occurred during the October 2023 Gaza conflict—Cyprus’ hotel and restaurant sector could face abrupt revenue gaps. Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis told Travel & Tour World that the ministry is accelerating campaigns in France, Scandinavia and the Gulf “to hedge against over-dependence on any single market.”
Business travel professionals should also watch for pricing swings. High utilisation on the Israel–Cyprus sector means that when demand spikes or supply is trimmed, fares move quickly. Corporate buyers are advised to secure year-round allotments and to keep alternative routings via Athens on hold in travel-management systems.
Strategically, the new IAA data could strengthen Cyprus’ bid to become a forward base for Israeli carriers operating deeper into the EU. The Civil Aviation Department is in talks with El Al to allow overnight aircraft parking at Larnaca, enabling early-morning wave departures to Western Europe and shortening duty times for crews. If finalised, the arrangement would embed Cyprus even further into Israeli aviation’s operating model—bringing opportunity, but raising exposure, in equal measure.
The frequency leadership is largely due to the island’s proximity (a 40-minute hop from Tel Aviv) and a dense web of services by TUS Airways, Cyprus Airways, El Al, Arkia and low-cost carriers—including Wizz Air’s Haifa-Larnaca shuttle launched in September. Airlines have been able to turn aircraft around twice daily, creating a profitable high-frequency shuttle that appeals both to Israelis seeking quick weekend breaks and to Cypriot firms shuttling tech staff and legal teams to Tel Aviv.
For travelers who suddenly find they need a visa—whether for a spontaneous weekend getaway or a last-minute business meeting—VisaHQ can smooth the process from start to finish. The company’s dedicated Cyprus portal (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) sets out current requirements, uploads and fees in a clear checklist, and can arrange courier pickup of documents, making it easier for frequent flyers on the Israel-Cyprus route to keep their plans on schedule.
Yet industry analysts warn that the same numbers expose a structural vulnerability. Tourism receipts from Israel have grown 42.6 % this year and now account for nearly one visitor in five, making Israel Cyprus’ second-largest source market after Britain. If regional security or exchange-rate shocks dampen outbound Israeli travel—as occurred during the October 2023 Gaza conflict—Cyprus’ hotel and restaurant sector could face abrupt revenue gaps. Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis told Travel & Tour World that the ministry is accelerating campaigns in France, Scandinavia and the Gulf “to hedge against over-dependence on any single market.”
Business travel professionals should also watch for pricing swings. High utilisation on the Israel–Cyprus sector means that when demand spikes or supply is trimmed, fares move quickly. Corporate buyers are advised to secure year-round allotments and to keep alternative routings via Athens on hold in travel-management systems.
Strategically, the new IAA data could strengthen Cyprus’ bid to become a forward base for Israeli carriers operating deeper into the EU. The Civil Aviation Department is in talks with El Al to allow overnight aircraft parking at Larnaca, enabling early-morning wave departures to Western Europe and shortening duty times for crews. If finalised, the arrangement would embed Cyprus even further into Israeli aviation’s operating model—bringing opportunity, but raising exposure, in equal measure.
