NICOSIA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Cyprus on Thursday officially launched a 170-million-euro (194.5 million U.S. dollars) expansion project for its two main international airports, aiming to significantly increase passenger capacity and reinforce its status as a regional travel hub.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides laid the foundation stone at Larnaca International Airport, marking the start of the second phase of the country's airport development strategy, local media reported.
Fully financed by airport operator Hermes Airports, the project is slated for completion by 2027. The combined annual capacity of Larnaca and Paphos airports will then exceed 17 million passengers.
Tourism is a pillar of the Cypriot economy, contributing more than 13 percent to GDP. Cyprus reported more than 4 million tourist arrivals in 2024, according to figures published on the government's website. (1 euro = 1.14 U.S. dollar) ■
