Travellers passing through Larnaca International Airport faced hours-long queues on February 9 after a nationwide general strike rippled through Cyprus’ transport infrastructure. Hermes Airports, the private operator of both Larnaca and Paphos airports, confirmed that 20 passenger flights were rescheduled between 14:00 and 16:30 local time while airlines scrambled to reposition crews and ground-handling staff joined the walk-out. Photos posted on social media showed security lines snaking through the departure hall and families sitting on the floor as they waited for updated boarding times.
Although the strike covered multiple sectors, its impact on aviation was disproportionately felt because Cyprus relies heavily on air links for both business and leisure traffic. According to the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, more than 25 per cent of all February arrivals are short-notice business travellers connecting to the island’s shipping, energy and professional-services clusters. Travel-management companies warned corporate clients to build in extra buffer time for onward connections and to re-book itineraries via Paphos or Athens where possible.
Hermes Airports implemented contingency plans developed after a similar labour dispute in 2024, activating auxiliary screening lanes and re-assigning office staff to front-of-house duties. By early evening the operator declared operations ‘back to normal,’ but industry groups said the episode underscored the fragility of Cyprus’ single-hub model. Airlines Association of Cyprus chairman Andreas Demetriou reiterated a long-standing call for legally protected ‘minimum service levels’ during strikes that affect essential transport infrastructure.
![General Strike Triggers Long Queues and Flight Rescheduling at Larnaca Airport]()
Before finalising any revised itineraries, travellers should also make sure their documentation is in order. VisaHQ’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) offers up-to-date information on Cyprus entry rules, expedited visa processing and embassy hours—an invaluable safety net when sudden schedule changes threaten to collide with paperwork deadlines.
For mobility managers, the incident is a reminder to monitor local labour relations and to keep traveller-tracking tools up to date. Experts advise booking fully flexible fares to and from Larnaca during the winter low-season, when wage negotiations often reach boiling point. Companies with time-critical cargo or crew changes may also consider private-charter contingencies or sea-air routings through Haifa or Antalya.
While Tuesday’s disruption was short-lived, unions have hinted at further action if collective-bargaining talks stall. With Cyprus expecting record visitor numbers again in 2026, stakeholders fear that any prolonged shutdown of its primary international gateway could erode hard-won gains in connectivity and investor confidence.
Although the strike covered multiple sectors, its impact on aviation was disproportionately felt because Cyprus relies heavily on air links for both business and leisure traffic. According to the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, more than 25 per cent of all February arrivals are short-notice business travellers connecting to the island’s shipping, energy and professional-services clusters. Travel-management companies warned corporate clients to build in extra buffer time for onward connections and to re-book itineraries via Paphos or Athens where possible.
Hermes Airports implemented contingency plans developed after a similar labour dispute in 2024, activating auxiliary screening lanes and re-assigning office staff to front-of-house duties. By early evening the operator declared operations ‘back to normal,’ but industry groups said the episode underscored the fragility of Cyprus’ single-hub model. Airlines Association of Cyprus chairman Andreas Demetriou reiterated a long-standing call for legally protected ‘minimum service levels’ during strikes that affect essential transport infrastructure.
Before finalising any revised itineraries, travellers should also make sure their documentation is in order. VisaHQ’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/cyprus/) offers up-to-date information on Cyprus entry rules, expedited visa processing and embassy hours—an invaluable safety net when sudden schedule changes threaten to collide with paperwork deadlines.
For mobility managers, the incident is a reminder to monitor local labour relations and to keep traveller-tracking tools up to date. Experts advise booking fully flexible fares to and from Larnaca during the winter low-season, when wage negotiations often reach boiling point. Companies with time-critical cargo or crew changes may also consider private-charter contingencies or sea-air routings through Haifa or Antalya.
While Tuesday’s disruption was short-lived, unions have hinted at further action if collective-bargaining talks stall. With Cyprus expecting record visitor numbers again in 2026, stakeholders fear that any prolonged shutdown of its primary international gateway could erode hard-won gains in connectivity and investor confidence.
