How the Cyprus airports are preparing for summer
More than 3,000 people are currently working at the airports of Cyprus daily, employed by the dozens of companies operating at the airports.
On the occasion of the upcoming summer season, where the staff will exceed 5,000 people (permanent and seasonal), the entire airport community is preparing to welcome and serve more than 8 million passengers over the April-October period.
For some weeks now, engineers, operators, workers have been coming in and out of airports, construction sites have been set up, areas have been cordoned off to carry out uninterrupted work and projects. This is how the areas are being prepared for the summer season, aiming at providing seamless service to the passenger public. A composition that works like a puzzle, where all the pieces must be in place in time.
Ground handling, security companies, restaurants and cafés, as well as the management company are looking for staff to fill various points. After the suitable candidates have been selected, training begins on how to operate an airport, including safety regulations, a necessary condition for the issuance of a pass by the Civil Aviation. An important area of training that all airport companies emphasise is that of hospitality and quality in passenger service, where Hermes Airports offers specialised programs through the Hermes Academy.
At Pafos Airport, the work on the Remote Gates was recently completed. Protective glass has been added to two of the five spaces, while all have been upgraded with the addition of heating and air conditioning.
In addition, several crews have been working overnight on the tarmac for several weeks now – a project that is repeated every year and is part of the long-term maintenance program of the Cypriot airports' apron.
As part of the development projects, a significant expansion of the parking areas at both airports is planned with the addition of more than 300 new spaces for the public. The comprehensive plan for their development includes landscaping more than 7,000 square meters.
In addition, all airport screens are being replaced to inform passengers through high-definition screens, while the carpets in Departures are continuing to be replaced with ceramic tiles and specially made slabs with traditional Lefkara Lace motifs.
The works for remodeling and creating new lounges for passengers at Larnaka Airport are also in full progress. The two new lounges are expected to be completed in May.
At Pafos Airport, the cafeterias have been renovated, while at the arrivals level of Larnaka Airport, Panopolis will operate until the end of March offering a variety of coffee and snack options. At the same time, the Cyprus Airports F & B team is modifying the menus of the airport, emphasising the new global trends in catering with the addition of Vegan and vegetarian dishes. In fact, by 2025, 30% of the menus will consist of vegetarian options.
See a video on the Cyprus airports’ preparation for summer below: