Taxi drivers serving Larnaca International Airport walked off the job from 07:00 to 11:00 on 13 January, protesting what they call the “uncontrolled activity” of ride-hailing applications and out-of-district cabs poaching airport fares. The action, organised by the Pancyprian Urban Taxi Federation’s Larnaca branch, is the first in a series that could escalate to a 24-hour stoppage on 20 January and an indefinite strike from 28 January if regulators do not intervene.(en.sigmalive.com)
Drivers want the Road Transport Department to block apps that dispatch vehicles lacking Larnaca road-use permits and to enforce mandatory taxi-base queues for all digital platforms. The Licensing Authority expressed “surprise” at the walk-out, saying draft regulations to level the playing field are already under consultation.(en.sigmalive.com)
![Larnaca Taxi Drivers Stage Four-Hour Strike over Airport Ride-Hailing Apps]()
If you’re travelling to Cyprus during this period of transport uncertainty, VisaHQ can at least ensure your paperwork is in order. Through its Cyprus portal (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/), the service lets you verify visa requirements, file applications online and track approvals in real time—helping you avoid any last-minute administrative hurdles even if your ground transfer plans change.
Hermes Airports reports no flight cancellations but warns that thousands of passengers—including corporate travellers on winter scheduling cycles—could face transfer delays if longer strikes proceed. Travel managers are advising employees to pre-book private shuttles, allow extra time for meetings in Nicosia or Limassol, or route through Paphos, which remains unaffected.
The dispute spotlights a wider EU challenge: balancing app-based mobility innovation with legacy licence regimes that fund airport infrastructure. Cyprus’ outcome could influence similar stand-offs in tourist hubs such as Malta and Palma de Mallorca.(en.sigmalive.com)
Drivers want the Road Transport Department to block apps that dispatch vehicles lacking Larnaca road-use permits and to enforce mandatory taxi-base queues for all digital platforms. The Licensing Authority expressed “surprise” at the walk-out, saying draft regulations to level the playing field are already under consultation.(en.sigmalive.com)
If you’re travelling to Cyprus during this period of transport uncertainty, VisaHQ can at least ensure your paperwork is in order. Through its Cyprus portal (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/), the service lets you verify visa requirements, file applications online and track approvals in real time—helping you avoid any last-minute administrative hurdles even if your ground transfer plans change.
Hermes Airports reports no flight cancellations but warns that thousands of passengers—including corporate travellers on winter scheduling cycles—could face transfer delays if longer strikes proceed. Travel managers are advising employees to pre-book private shuttles, allow extra time for meetings in Nicosia or Limassol, or route through Paphos, which remains unaffected.
The dispute spotlights a wider EU challenge: balancing app-based mobility innovation with legacy licence regimes that fund airport infrastructure. Cyprus’ outcome could influence similar stand-offs in tourist hubs such as Malta and Palma de Mallorca.(en.sigmalive.com)
