Airports at Larnaca and Paphos reopen today, June 9, as part of the third phase of relaxation of measures taken due to the coronavirus pandemic. The airports have been closed since 21st March in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The approved action plan prepared by the Inter-ministerial Committee for the gradual lifting of restriction measures to flights from and to the Airports of Larnaca and Paphos, and the reopening of Airports and Hotels provides for the reopening of airports and the reconnection of Cyprus with other countries in two phases, Phase A – 9 to 19 June and Phase B – 20 June 2020.
The team of special scientists has classified countries on the basis of their epidemiological image in two categories, with which the connection of Cyprus by air is resumed.
Category A: Greece, Malta, Bulgaria, Norway, Austria, Finland, Slovenia, Hungary, Israel, Denmark, Germany, Slovakia, Lithuania.
Category B: Switzerland, Poland, Romania, Croatia, Estonia, Czech Republic.
In Phase A, those coming from countries of both categories must present a laboratory test certificate from an approved laboratory showing a negative result in order to be allowed to board their flight, with the test having taken place 72 hours prior to departure.
Cypriot citizens and permanent residents of Cyprus may alternatively undergo the laboratory testing at their arrival in Cyprus. In this case and until the announcement of the result, they shall remain in self-isolation at home.
CNA reports that there will be five arrivals and five departures from Larnaca Airport, the first from Aegean airline which is scheduled to depart around 0800 to Athens.
The first flight to land at Larnaca International Airport by Israel, will arrive from Tel Aviv at 1015.
Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Yiannis Karousos will be present at the airport to welcome the first passengers who will arrive in Larnaca following the airport’s opening.
Two more flights will arrive from Athens at 12.10 and 18.10, another flight from Sofia at 18.20 and one more flight from Athens at 23.10.
As far as departures are concerned, at 1120 there will be a flight to Tel Aviv, at 1400 to Athens, at 1900 for Sofia and at 1930 for Athens.
In Phase B, which begins on 20 June, passengers coming from countries included in category A will not be required to bring a laboratory test certificate.
For passengers coming from countries included in category B shall apply the same requirement as for all passengers in the first phase, that is, they have to present a laboratory test certificate from an approved laboratory showing a negative result in order to be allowed to board their flight, with the test having taken place 72 hours prior to departure.
Cypriot citizens and permanent residents of Cyprus may alternatively undergo the laboratory testing at their arrival in Cyprus. In this case and until the announcement of the result, they shall remain in self-isolation at home.
Source: CNA
