Update: Paphos airport operating normally after Swissport strike ends

11:51 Swissport’s impromptu strike has ended and Paphos airport has returned to normal operation, Hermes Airports PR manager Adamos Aspris said this morning.

“There was a stoppage but this is now over” Aspris said.

“Hermes Airports wishes to reiterate its regret to the traveling public about the difficulties and inconvenience suffered as a result of yesterday’s spontaneous strike by Swissport employees.”

Hundreds of passengers were stranded at Paphos airport last night, one of one of its busiest evenings of the week when ground handlers from Swissport staged an impromptu strike.

The industrial action was taken after a dispute with the company’s management over a plan to dismiss seven employees and reduce shifts for the remaining workers.

Around 100 workers took part in the action which left hundreds of passengers stranded at the airport – on one of the facilities busiest days of the week.

Several incoming flights were diverted to Larnaca but outgoing passengers were stuck. Reports suggested that 14 flights had been affected.

Coaches used for transferring holidaymakers filled the airport car park last night as hundreds of passengers waited in groups outside. Inside, hundreds more waited for news regarding delays to their flights.

More news to follow.