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[SSBubbles]

IACA dismayed at yet another increase in airport charges in Cyprus
UK Travel
Jul 26, 2008



Recently, IACA expressed its strong dismay over the fact that there is a further 9% increase in the airport charges at Larnaca and Paphos in Cyprus for the year 2009. Notably, this is a 4% hike over the average yearly rate of inflation for Cyprus. Over and above, this present increase comes in addition to an outright increase of 77% in the charges made last year by Hermes, the management company governing both the airports. Last week, the new increase was announced to all the airlines through a letter.

At the outset, IACA represents 39 airlines serving the leisure industry in addition to 30% of the airline market in Cyprus. IACA has been repeatedly challenging the recent increases in the airport charges besides warning that the present move exercises a heavy pressure on leisure airlines in addition to making Cyprus a thoroughly uncompetitive market when compared with other leisure-based airports of the Mediterranean region. With Cyprus already being 150% more expensive than other airports in the region, this additional increase is expected to further add up to this percentage.

Luc Geens, Manager Ground Operations, IACA, observed, "These further increases send a wrong signal to airlines and their passengers that Cyprus is serious about encouraging tourism to Cyprus. Our airlines need more incentives to come to Cyprus not further charges. There is no justification for an increase in airport charges at a time when tourism is suffering and ground handling services at Larnaca and Paphos airports are more chaotic than ever."

[AQ]

We travel to Cyprus, from the UK on average 8 times a year, plus visits from family and friends.

It is becoming increasingly expensive to fly. Easyjet are already thinking of pulling out of many winter flights due to the sky high price of fuel. I would not be surprised if Cyprus is one of the destinations that comes under scrutiny given the airport charges at Paphos and Larnaca.

Also an issue are the rip off taxi charges, now 40 Euro! from Paphos airport into town.

Times are becoming increasingly tough for most people in the UK. The holiday abroad will be one of the things that comes under pressure for 2009.

Cyprus is no longer an economic choice for ordinairy families. It could be a bloodbath for Cyprus tourism in 2009.

[purdey]

The published rises have now put the nail in the coffin as far as Ryan Air are concerned.