Special Aegean Airlines flight brings Holy Light from Jerusalem to Larnaca ahead of Easter services

Aegean Airlines will operate a one-off Tel Aviv–Larnaca flight at 17:00 on Holy Saturday (11 April) to deliver the Holy Light—an Orthodox Easter tradition symbolising the resurrection—to Cyprus. According to Kathimerini’s English-language edition, representatives of the Exarchate of the Holy Sepulchre will escort the flame, which will then be rushed by police convoy to churches across the republic. The annual operation, coordinated with Israel’s Civil Aviation Authority, requires special handling permits for the live flame and priority landing clearance at Larnaca’s “Glafcos Clerides” International Airport. Airport operator Hermes confirmed that a dedicated gate will be used to segregate clergy and security personnel from regular passengers. Mobility managers with staff travelling through Larnaca on Saturday evening should anticipate temporary airside restrictions while the ceremonial delegation clears customs. Airport sources expect no flight cancellations but warn that apron congestion could add 15–20 minutes to turnaround times for scheduled services between 16:30 and 18:30. Beyond the logistics, the event highlights Cyprus’s connectivity with Israel and the Eastern Orthodox world—routes that many expatriate families use for weekend breaks and visa-run renewals. Aegean has hinted that it will add two extra Tel Aviv frequencies during the Easter period, reflecting resilient demand despite geopolitical tensions in the region. Travel-policy tip: employees carrying religious artefacts, candles or liquids should check airline dangerous-goods rules; only small oil lamps in approved safety containers are permitted in cabin baggage.