With 1.4 million flights this month Larnaca and Paphos airports are busier than ever, and passengers are advised to be at the airport at least two hours before their flight, airport operator Hermes spokesman Adamos Aspris said on Friday.
“The main message to the public is that we need the passengers’ collaboration,” he said. “This doesn’t only help the airport operator but the passengers themselves.”
“Travelers should follow the guidance of airport staff at all times.”
So far, he added, things have been running smoothly for several reasons. For one, the operator has employed additional seasonal staff, and as well, the travellers mostly do come prepared, with their travel documents in hand and having removed items from their hand luggage with which they are not allowed to travel such as knives and scissors. All this helps the process but according to Aspris there is another reason why there have so far not been big delays during the summer months.
“We are happy because the various services are well coordinated and working together makes avoiding delays possible,” he explained.
Check-in usually starts more than two hours before a flight, but this varies according to the airline. Travelers can check instructions on their ticket, consult their travel agent or airline website to inform themselves and when in doubt contact the airline directly.
Before approaching passport control passengers need to be sure that they have either a valid passport, or, when travelling in the EU, an ID card and other documentation such as visa for the destination country.
To protect against the threat of liquid explosives, there are rules for taking liquids, aerosols and gels on flights in and out the airports.
Liquids should be in containers with no more than 100 millilitres. These containers must be placed within a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag, which itself must not exceed one litre in capacity. The contents of the plastic bag must fit comfortably and the bag sealed.
Only one transparent bag of liquids is permitted per passenger, and must be presented for examination at the security check points.
Exemptions apply for some medicines and baby products that may be needed during the flight.
For security checks passengers should be ready to remove their belts and objects from pockets and take off shoes with high heels.
Hermes has prepared a video with security checks which is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umzlcvM8JeU.
