Testing begins ahead of Paphos airport opening

TESTING of all the systems at the new Paphos airport began today, ahead of the opening ceremony on November 8.

The airport was completed on schedule and now rigorous testing will begin, to ensure all goes smoothly on the day.

Both Larnaca and Paphos airport are run by Hermes, who’ve began checking all procedures in the hope of eradicating any glitches before the official opening.

Adamos Aspris, Hermes airports spokesman, told the Cyprus Mail that “a period of 75 days or so, from the delivery date of September 3 to November 17,will be devoted to continuous staff training, to ensure that everyone is familiar with the new building and equipment, and the operating systems of the new airport.”

It’s thought that these rigorous tests will include 1,000 ‘fake’ passengers using the various areas of the airport, who will be checking in all types and weights of luggage, the idea being to place the systems and staff under pressure to see if any problems occur.

In addition, the airport security systems will be checked to the fullest extent ahead of November 17, when the airport will be fully operational.

Hermes airports are keen to iron out any problem areas that may arise before passengers begin to use the terminal.

A chain of problems at Larnaca airport recently saw passengers delayed for hours, as computer systems suffered severe technical faults.

There were also serious problems concerning the two ground-handling agents, something, which passengers are hoping has been brought under control.

A meeting will take place today between Hermes airports and the Ministry of Transport regarding preparations for the official opening.

The Cyprus Mail is the only English-language daily newspaper published in Cyprus. It was established in 1945 and today, with its popular and widely-read website, the Cyprus Mail is among the most trusted news sites in Cyprus. The newspaper is not affiliated with any political parties and has always striven to maintain its independence. Over the past 70-plus years, the Cyprus Mail, with a small dedicated team, has covered momentous events in Cyprus’ modern history, chronicling the last gasps of British colonial rule, Cyprus’ truncated independence, the coup and Turkish invasion, and the decades of negotiations to stitch the divided island back together, plus a myriad of scandals, murders, and human interests stories that capture the island and its -people. Observers describe it as politically conservative.