PARKING rates at the Larnaca airport are set to change as of Monday, September 11, according to an announcement yesterday by Hermes Airports, the airport’s owner.
The first 20 minutes of parking will become free and the long-term parking rates will be reduced, though there will be an increase in the short-term rates.
Under the new rates, which take effect a week from Monday, the first 20 minutes will be free. Anything between 20 minutes and an hour will cost £1. From 1-3 hours: £2; 3-6 hours: £3; 6-12 hours: £4; and between 12 and 24 hours: £5.
After the 6th day of continuous parking, the 24-hour rate will reduce to £3.50.
Under the present rates, 0 -1 hour of parking costs £0.30. Between 1 and 3 hours: £0.55 cents; 3-6 hours: £1.10; 6-12 hours: £1.65; and between 12 and 24 hours: £2.70. Anything over 24 hours is £5.40 per 24-hour period.
A Larnaca airport parking attendant told the Cyprus Mail yesterday that the increase in rates for those who park for a few hours is to dissuade people from spending long bouts of time in the airport.
“The rates will be closer to what they are in other parking places in Larnaca. As it is right now, people come and hang out in the airport and as a result there’s no space in the parking lot.”
“People will now have an incentive to just come quickly, do their business and leave within 20 minutes, which will be free.”
But it is doubtful that many people would be able to park their car, wait for family and friends to exit immigration, walk back to the parking lot, load the luggage and then leave the parking lot before the 20 minutes expire. Of course, if those arriving have already passed through immigration then the 20 minutes are sufficient, but then again, one need not park if that is the case.
Renovations are also in the works for the airport parking. “In keeping with the ever-growing demands of parking, the Airport is implementing several upgrades,” said CEO of Hermes Airports Bob Manning.
“Improvements will include new pay and exit equipment, [a] reconfigured curb-side drop-off area in the front of the terminal, improved signage, security and increased capacity. We will also consider valet parking and some covered parking.”
