Severe cross-winds and driving rain on Cyprus’ west coast forced Ryanair flight FR3133 from London Stansted to abort its approach into Paphos and divert 130 km east to Larnaca at 14:00 on 22 January. All passengers disembarked safely and were bused back to Paphos, but the incident reignites debate over the resilience of the island’s busiest leisure gateway, which has only one runway positioned almost perpendicular to prevailing winter winds.(cyprus-mail.com)
Airport operator Hermes Airports said contingency plans “worked exactly as designed”, yet advised carriers to carry additional fuel reserves during the current storm cycle. The company also confirmed that three inbound charters from Frankfurt, Manchester and Tel Aviv elected to hold before landing safely in Paphos once conditions improved.
Whether you are a holidaymaker rerouted via Larnaca or a technician flying in on short notice, VisaHQ can simplify the paperwork side of the journey. Through its Cyprus portal (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/), travellers can verify visa requirements, complete applications online and receive prompt status updates—helpful reassurance when weather-related diversions add unexpected stress to trip planning.
![Winter storm diverts London–Paphos Ryanair flight to Larnaca, exposing single-runway vulnerability]()
For tour operators, the episode is a reminder that weather disruptions can ripple through tightly-timed winter schedules. January seat capacity to Paphos is already 18 % higher than last year, according to OAG data, leaving little slack for recovery when diversions strike. Mobility managers moving technical staff to the island’s energy projects should factor possible road transfers from Larnaca—adding up to two hours door-to-door.
Hermes has pitched a €55 million project to install a rapid-exit taxiway, improved instrument-landing systems and an emergency turnaround pad at Paphos, but the plan awaits government sign-off. Until upgrades materialise, airlines are reviewing wind-threshold policies, and some business-jet operators are choosing Larnaca as a safer alternative during the storm season.
Travellers heading to western Cyprus over the next fortnight should monitor Met Office alerts and, where feasible, book flexible tickets or schedule buffer time for onward meetings.
Airport operator Hermes Airports said contingency plans “worked exactly as designed”, yet advised carriers to carry additional fuel reserves during the current storm cycle. The company also confirmed that three inbound charters from Frankfurt, Manchester and Tel Aviv elected to hold before landing safely in Paphos once conditions improved.
Whether you are a holidaymaker rerouted via Larnaca or a technician flying in on short notice, VisaHQ can simplify the paperwork side of the journey. Through its Cyprus portal (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/), travellers can verify visa requirements, complete applications online and receive prompt status updates—helpful reassurance when weather-related diversions add unexpected stress to trip planning.
For tour operators, the episode is a reminder that weather disruptions can ripple through tightly-timed winter schedules. January seat capacity to Paphos is already 18 % higher than last year, according to OAG data, leaving little slack for recovery when diversions strike. Mobility managers moving technical staff to the island’s energy projects should factor possible road transfers from Larnaca—adding up to two hours door-to-door.
Hermes has pitched a €55 million project to install a rapid-exit taxiway, improved instrument-landing systems and an emergency turnaround pad at Paphos, but the plan awaits government sign-off. Until upgrades materialise, airlines are reviewing wind-threshold policies, and some business-jet operators are choosing Larnaca as a safer alternative during the storm season.
Travellers heading to western Cyprus over the next fortnight should monitor Met Office alerts and, where feasible, book flexible tickets or schedule buffer time for onward meetings.
