Transport minister Alexis Vafeades said there is significant development potential for the former Larnaca airport site, stating the government wants to avoid letting the property remain unused for longer.
The minister made the comments during a visit to the old airport facility on Friday with Larnaca Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) president Dr Nakis Antoniou and director Charalambos Andreou to assess the building’s condition and discuss development options.
“We want to explore the prospects, potential investments and types of development that could be implemented in the area. We aim to determine the next steps and actions the state needs to take in cooperation with Hermes“, Vafeades said.
He emphasised the site’s potential to enhance Larnaca’s business capabilities and create new jobs. Whilst various investors have shown interest over time, no concrete proposals have materialised yet, the minister added.
Dr Antoniou described the old airport site as “enormous state property” that could benefit both Larnaca and Cyprus broadly. He highlighted the existing aircraft maintenance facilities, noting that planes arrive from worldwide for servicing.
The LCCI president suggested expanding the maintenance industry to increase employment opportunities and attract more foreign investment.
Regarding Cyprus’s air connectivity, Vafeades addressed challenges facing airlines globally due to aircraft engine issues, forcing carriers to prioritise their most profitable routes.
Despite these constraints, he noted that new destinations are being added, including Aegean Airlines’ upcoming Rome service this summer.
The minister highlighted how aircraft maintenance operations at Larnaca airport positively impact passenger traffic, as maintenance flights can potentially carry passengers to and from various destinations.
On Thursday, new aircraft engine repair facilities opened in the Aradippou industrial area, which Vafeades said would provide additional service capabilities to the aviation maintenance sector.
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