Cypriot ground-transport operator Kapnos Airport Shuttle announced on 29 June a major expansion of its timetable linking Paphos Airport with Nicosia and Larnaca. From 1 July the company will double weekday frequencies on the Paphos–Nicosia route and introduce through-ticketed transfers that connect Paphos with Ayia Napa and Protaras via Larnaca Airport, effectively creating an island-wide network for air passengers. To sweeten the deal Kapnos is offering free long-stay parking at its Nicosia terminal and zero-fare tickets for children under 12 when accompanied by a paying adult. CEO Charalambos Anastasiou said the goal is to “remove the last-mile friction that makes some travellers hesitate to use Paphos as their point of entry,” noting that seat occupancy on existing routes has rebounded to 96 % of pre-pandemic levels. The timing is significant for airlines and corporate-travel managers. Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet have all increased Paphos rotations for the winter 2026/27 season, banking on cost-effective airport charges. Reliable ground connectivity is essential if carriers are to persuade business travellers—many of whom stay in Nicosia—to fly into Paphos instead of Larnaca. Kapnos’ through-fare model allows passengers to book a single ticket online and guarantees connection protection if the first leg is delayed. For mobility-policy watchers, the move aligns with Cyprus’ Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, which calls for shifting at least 10 % of airport-ground traffic from private cars to shared transport by 2027. Free parking at the shuttle hub may appear counter-intuitive, but Kapnos argues that it encourages park-and-ride behaviour that still reduces total vehicle-kilometres on the inter-city motorway. Travel-duty teams should update arrival guidance for assignees and visiting staff: the new Paphos–Nicosia express departures leave on the hour from 05:00 to 23:00, and promotional child fares run until 31 October 2026.
Source: Politis
