New Larnaca Airport Unveiled This Weekend

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The new Larnaca International airport is set to be unveiled this weekend on the 7th November 2009 and become fully operational for all airlines on the 17th November.

 
With all the excitement surrounding the opening, I thought I would take a closer look at what the airport will bring to both tourists and locals flying to or from Larnaca airport.

 
Well first of all, the new airport is so much bigger than the current one with a modern, spacious feel to it. It is very bright and airy and the surroundings are very comfortable on the eye.

 
There is an introduction of shiny, new trolleys which require €2 which I am slightly surprised about as it will be a bit of an inconvenience if you haven't come prepared with your coin. Maybe they are banking on most people having one handy saved for the weekly supermarket expedition.

 
Even the car park seems a lot bigger with lots of disabled access parking, total parking spaces is around 2,450.

 
There are more check-in desks, new self check in kiosks and the much needed brand new air bridges which will mean less bus trips to some of the airlines.
 

The airport will attract more businesses creating competition which subsequently leads to better prices. It will also create a global image as a central, modern airport connecting Europe and the Middle East.

 
For tourism and business this new airport is long overdue and it was just a matter of time before the upgrade would take place.
 

There is even talk of building a five-storey international hotel, leisure centre and classy restaurant close to the airport.

 
There will be many advantages to the new airport and more efficient systems than the current one but as with most things it is still sad to see the end of an era.
 

I will miss the small airport with its handful of friendly shops, cafes and bars. The memories of queuing to get into the toilets before and after flights will always remain. As will the collecting of friends and families in the packed waiting area - where it was normal to obstruct the exit doors whilst reacquainting with loved ones.
 

So, onwards and upwards we go but the old memories will remain with me forever.

 
The official inauguration of the new terminal will take place on Saturday 7th November by Cyprus President Demetris Christofias.
 
Written by Catherine Dale
 
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