Old Larnaca airport to get new operator and facelift

The old Larnaca airport, that was supposed to be undertaken by Chinese investors who backed out of the plan several years ago, now has three new foreign bidders who will decide how best to utilise the grounds.

Transport Minister Marios Demetriades said that government favours the opening of a small hotel, shops and exhibition spaces at the site of the old airport.

He told reporters that the government is evaluating the interest expressed by three overseas bidders on how to utilise the site.

He said three companies have shown interest to commercialise the site during a bidding process that was held together with Hermes Airports which is administrating the airports for the next 15 years. He said “we hope to reach an agreement for a development project that will help the local economy”.

The proposals by the three foreign companies concern a combination of developments that include shops, a small hotel and a logistics centre.

Asked when there will be a decision, Demetriades said that they began evaluating the proposals and when the decision is taken they will begin negotiations. “We hope to conclude in the next months because all airports usually have similar developments near their site, so it is important to proceed with it”.

Demetriades also said that the procedure to grant certain security services to handle passenger screening at the island’s two airports has not yet been completed, noting this is something that will take place gradually.

He also said that measures have been taken at Paphos airport to alleviate the overcrowding. Demetriades also said that at the end of May the bidding contest for the construction of a new archaeological museum in Nicosia will be announced. The total funds allocated for a new museum are estimated at 50 mln euros and construction is scheduled to start in 2018.