JUST WEEKS before opening officially, the new Larnaca airport held trials last week using volunteer passengers to test the readiness of the new establishment before it goes “live” on November 10.
I lined up alongside the other Nicosia volunteers to board the coaches waiting to take us to the new airport. After a “minimal” delay of 40 minutes we set off towards Larnaca, with a guide explaining the procedure we would be following: check-in, passport control and gate departure would take place as casually as possible, in order to try and resemble a normal travelling atmosphere.
After passing over the new roundabout complex near the airport, a huge old sign in rusty metal letters read in Greek ‘International Airport of Larnaca’ – not particularly conducive to a new image, I thought. But then again, we had been warned that the airport is still technically ‘Under Construction’, so perhaps that’s one job still on the ‘To Do’ list.
As we approached the terminal buildings, citrus and olive trees dotted about the parking area brought a breath of the Mediterranean and offered some welcome shade. Complementing the traditional flora were beds of lavender, which added a splash of colour and some life to the steel and glass construction.
Approaching the building itself, the runway can be seen to the left, with the passenger boarding bridges extending, spider-like, from the various gates. I was almost sorry to think there would be no more bumpy bus rides from terminal to plane.
As we neared the building, the road divided into multiple lanes, two continuing towards the departures drop-off point, and the other two forking off downhill towards the arrivals and bus and taxi parking areas. The dual level construction was impressive. Reminiscent of London Gatwick’s upper and lower ramps, the new airport successfully separates arrivals from departures, which should help avoid traffic jams in the parking areas – not to mention confusion amongst travellers.
We disembarked from the bus and each collected a piece of luggage before heading towards the entrance. From this point on, I was a tourist on my way to Prague. Passing through the double automatic doors, we were met by a vast, spacious layout of marble floors and, in the distance, check-in desks lined up waiting for testing. No-one could complain about feeling cramped.
However, despite the ease of movement the building allowed, it had a somewhat cold feeling to it. No benches or dustbins. No vending machines or newsagent stands. No pictures or interior decoration. No plants. Nothing.
Once again, I can’t say that such details are not on the ‘To Do’ list, but as a prospective customer, I expected a rather livelier atmosphere.
Check-in was quick and easy – always a plus when travelling – and the service was tolerable, although a smile and some more communication wouldn’t hurt. Once checked in, I searched high and low for passport control. I felt rather stupid for a moment, thinking that I couldn’t see the signs and arrows indicating it, but then I realised there weren’t any! So, as any stray sheep would, I followed the crowd. It turns out that it was behind a huge plastic wall (hopefully a temporary one). The duty-free shops haven’t been built yet, so I didn’t get the chance to browse the future recreational area.
The departure lounge was as magnificent in size as the check-in area: a tall, endless, steel and concrete construction, with a dull grey and white interior, reminiscent of a refurbished warehouse. Nonetheless, it was clean and modern – exactly what the old airport isn’t.
Since I had an hour or so to kill before my flight took off, I ventured into the toilets. Six homely red-tiled WC areas are placed throughout the departure lounge, ensuring you are never too far away when nature calls. But, no matter how pretty the porcelains are, nothing can make up for the fact that there are no baby-changing tables in sight. Again, probably just not completed yet.
Once I spotted that obvious omission, I looked for other small oversights: no tables next to the gate seating areas on which to place your drinks or belongings, there’s nowhere past the duty-free shops to buy any last minute snacks, and no entertainment! Some televisions, a play area, and wi-fi access would make the whole area more welcoming.
If you happen to be departing from the gates on the left side, then you have to keep getting up to check your flight details, as the display screens are only placed on the right-hand side of the path, and not visible if you are sitting down.
At the end of the trial, some volunteers were given feedback forms for their comments and suggestions, but seeing as all volunteers had to register in advance, it seems somewhat surprising that there weren’t enough for everyone.
The building itself is impressive and the service efficient, but there are several adjustments that need to be made for the finished airport to shine. If they are, then Larnaca’s new international airport can be a beacon for the region.
