Visit the Gateway to Cyprus
Lanarca International Airport is located at Larnaca in Cyprus. It serves as a hub for Aegean Airlines. This serves as the most important international gateway for Cyprus. It is also the bigger airport of the two commercial airports in Cyprus. The other airport is the Paphos International airport that is located on the southwestern coast of the island. The airport has a primary passenger terminal and VIP terminal. The primary passenger terminal takes care of arrivals at the ground level and departures on the upper level. The VIP terminal caters for Heads of States, cargo and private airlines. The airport has 16 boarding bridges that connect the main terminal with aircrafts. A lone, large apron caters for passenger aircraft and the smaller apron caters for private and cargo aircraft. Space is also provided for smaller planes belonging to flying schools and private aircraft.
History
The Lanarca Airport was built hastily during the ending of 1974 upon the conclusion of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in the same year. This invasion led to the compulsory shutting down of the Nicosia International Airport. Lanarca Airport was built near the Larnaca Salt Lake, land which had previously been the site of an airfield in the 1930s and later on as Bristish milltitary installation. Rapid construction led to the opening of the Lanarca Airport in February 1975. However it had only prefabricated buildings and inadequate infrastructure. The buildings comprised of separate departure and arrival halls. The airport was first used by Cyprus Airways and Olympic Airways using leased Viscount 800s and NAMC YS-11s respectively. The airport’s initial runway lacked adequate length for jet aircraft. Between 1994 and 1996, Gulf Air provided a direct flight to New York twice every week. In recent times, the airport serves passenger travelling the Middle East and with Cyprus rising status as an important tourist destination has seen air traffic rise to more than 5 million passengers a year. The Lanarca Airport was designed for less than half this traffic. It was due to this circumstance that the airport was expanded to include a new fire station and control tower. Extensions were also made to the runway and administrative offices were added to. Developments did not stop at the airport. Road networks surrounding the airport were improved and a new junction was built close to the terminal. Today the airport is capable of handling 9 million passengers annually.
Fleet
Various airlines use the Larnaca International Airport. These include Condor, Air Serbia, Gulf Air, Edelweiss, Yakutia and Qatar Airways. Aegean Airways uses this airport for its scheduled and seasonal flights across Europe and the Middle East.
Awards
In 2010, the airport won an award for its duty free winning the “Best New Shop Opening 2009”
Routes and Destinations
Lacarna International covers various destinations across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It maintains scheduled and seasonal routes include Cairo, Saint Petersburg, London-Heathrow, Belgrade, Tel Aviv, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Krasndar.
How to Check-In?
There are various ways to check-in at Larnaca International Airport. Passengers can check-in using the online portal provided by the airline company to conduct their check-in within the comfort of their homes or office. In the alternative, they may check-in with the mobile application provided by their airline. Web check helps to lessen the amount of time spent at the airport as passengers with no luggage can immediately proceed for boarding. Those who are with luggage can proceed to have their luggage weighed and checked in before proceeding to board. Check-in counters and kiosks are provided for assisted check-in and self-check-in service at the airport. The friendly airport staff will always be available to guide you through every step of the way.
Baggage and Allowance
The baggage and allowance is dependent on the airline booked, fand the nature of the destination. Long haul flights generally give greater baggage allowance than short haul flights. Passengers are therefore advised to check with their airlines for more information on the baggage requirements before departing
Seating
Airlines offer different regulations on seating. Passengers are often accorded the opportunity of choosing their preferred seat when booking. However, this varies by airline as some may offer choice seats at the lounge, near the window or aisle for a fee or to a particular class. It is therefore advised that intending travellers obtain information on the seating requirements of their proposed airline.
Booking Fee
Intending travellers are to consult their airline to find out the fares to their intended destinations. Travellers are also urged to find out the rules governing changes and cancellation of booking to prevent surprises charges and penalties.
Airports near Larnaca:
