Flights to and from Cyprus: Ercan, Paphos, and Larnaca Airports
Ercan International Airport (ECN) – The Gateway to Northern Cyprus
Ercan International Airport (ECN) is the main airport serving Northern Cyprus. It is located near the capital, Nicosia, and primarily handles flights to and from Turkey. Due to international regulations, direct flights from Europe and other countries to Ercan are not available, requiring passengers to transit through Turkey before continuing to Northern Cyprus.
Arrivals at Ercan International Airport
Most flights arriving at Ercan International Airport originate from Turkey. The busiest routes include flights from Istanbul Airport (IST), Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB), and Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB). Airlines that frequently operate flights to Ercan include:
- Turkish Airlines – Daily flights from Istanbul and Ankara
- Pegasus Airlines – Frequent flights from Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya
- AnadoluJet – Flights from multiple Turkish cities
These flights provide an essential link between Northern Cyprus and the rest of the world. Passengers traveling from Europe, the Middle East, or other international destinations must transit through Turkey before continuing their journey to Ercan.
Departures from Ercan International Airport
Flights departing from Ercan International Airport primarily connect to various Turkish cities. Popular departure routes include:
- Ercan to Istanbul (IST/SAW) – The most frequent route, with multiple daily flights
- Ercan to Ankara (ESB) – Several flights per day operated by Turkish Airlines and AnadoluJet
- Ercan to Izmir (ADB) – Frequent flights by Pegasus Airlines
- Ercan to Antalya (AYT) – Seasonal and regular flights to the Turkish Riviera
Passengers traveling from Ercan to destinations beyond Turkey must transit through Istanbul or Ankara, where they can connect to international flights.
Larnaca International Airport (LCA) – The Largest Airport in Cyprus
Larnaca International Airport (LCA) is the primary international airport of Cyprus, handling millions of passengers each year. It serves as a major gateway for tourists and business travelers visiting the island. Larnaca offers extensive flight connections to Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Arrivals at Larnaca International Airport
Larnaca Airport receives flights from numerous international airlines, offering direct services to and from major cities. Some of the busiest routes include flights from:
- United Kingdom (London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham) – Operated by British Airways, EasyJet, and Wizz Air
- Germany (Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin) – Lufthansa, Eurowings, and Condor
- Greece (Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion) – Aegean Airlines, Cyprus Airways, Sky Express
- Middle East (Dubai, Doha, Tel Aviv, Beirut) – Emirates, Qatar Airways, El Al, and Middle East Airlines
During the summer, Larnaca experiences a surge in charter flights from various European cities catering to holidaymakers traveling to Cyprus.
Departures from Larnaca International Airport
Larnaca Airport offers a variety of international departures, with flights to key global destinations. Some of the most popular outbound routes include:
- Larnaca to London (LHR, LGW, LTN, STN) – Daily flights operated by multiple carriers
- Larnaca to Athens (ATH) – Frequent flights by Aegean Airlines and Sky Express
- Larnaca to Dubai (DXB) – Direct services by Emirates
- Larnaca to Frankfurt (FRA) – Lufthansa and Condor offer regular flights
With a strong presence of full-service and low-cost airlines, Larnaca Airport remains a vital connection point between Cyprus and the rest of the world.
Paphos International Airport (PFO) – The Hub for Holidaymakers
Paphos International Airport (PFO) is the second-largest airport in Cyprus, primarily serving tourists visiting the southwestern part of the island. It handles both scheduled and seasonal charter flights, making it a key entry point for leisure travelers.
Arrivals at Paphos International Airport
Flights arriving at Paphos Airport are mainly from European cities, particularly during peak holiday seasons. Common inbound routes include:
- United Kingdom (London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol) – Operated by EasyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair
- Germany (Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg) – Lufthansa and TUI Fly
- Scandinavia (Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo) – SAS and Norwegian
- Eastern Europe (Warsaw, Prague, Budapest) – Wizz Air and Ryanair
Since Paphos is a major tourist hub, many low-cost airlines and charter carriers increase their flight frequencies during the summer months.
Departures from Paphos International Airport
Outbound flights from Paphos Airport cater mostly to European leisure travelers. Some of the most popular routes include:
- Paphos to London (LGW, STN, LTN) – Served by EasyJet, Ryanair, and Jet2
- Paphos to Manchester (MAN) – Seasonal and regular flights by Jet2 and Ryanair
- Paphos to Vienna (VIE) – Wizz Air operates direct flights
- Paphos to Budapest (BUD) – Budget-friendly flights by Ryanair
Paphos Airport is ideal for travelers seeking affordable flights to and from Cyprus, especially those visiting the island for vacations.
Choosing the Right Airport for Travel to Cyprus
Travelers heading to Cyprus can choose between Ercan, Larnaca, and Paphos airports based on their needs and preferred destinations.
- For Northern Cyprus: Ercan Airport is the best option, though it requires a transit in Turkey.
- For International Access: Larnaca Airport offers the widest range of direct flights to major global destinations.
- For Holidaymakers: Paphos Airport is ideal for budget travelers and those visiting Cyprus for leisure.
Each airport plays a crucial role in connecting Cyprus with the rest of the world, offering convenient travel options for tourists, business travelers, and locals alike.
Travelers can select the best flight option based on convenience, cost, and destination, with direct flights to Southern Cyprus being the quickest and most efficient choice.
