Good news about taxis at Paphos airport

Sir,

Following the several recent letters and articles about the poor experience many visitors and travellers have experienced at Paphos airport, in particular the problems with parking and the taxi drivers there, the Kamares Village Houseowners’ Association (KVHA) sought a meeting with the airport officials. 
The KVHA is but one group of residents and property owners who frequently use the airport (85 per cent of the air traffic is to and from the UK), but we have several hundred members and probably fairly represent the broad views of most of those at interest. The KVHA’s Chairman and Vice Chairman met with the General Manager and the Property Management Co-ordinator and were shown both the short- and long-term plans for the operation of the public areas of the airport.

Although in the short-term there will be no more room for private cars visiting the airport, the arrangements for them are being made more user friendly, with better signage.  Areas are now better defined for coaches, taxis, hire cars, and visiting vehicles.  But significantly, and of considerable importance, the taxi drivers have agreed an unprecedented and comprehensive code of conduct as from April 5, which has been jointly signed by the Hermes management and the Association Presidents representing the taxi drivers. Failure to conform with this code will result in rather severe punitive reaction by the Hermes management, and thus far the agreement is being well observed with noticeable improvement both within the terminal itself and outside it.

However, any visitor to the airport with genuine cause for complaint is urged to contact the airport Operation Centre’s telephone number – which is 26-812591.  It is to be hoped that calls will be relatively few, but as ever, the phrase ‘watch this space’ springs to mind.

In the longer term, some 18 months ahead – when the new terminal is expected to be completed – the public car parking space will be five times the area it is now, which should dramatically ease the current situation.

The airport management is anxious to avoid further confrontation and adverse public comment and wishes to improve the airport’s reputation in many respects.  The latest positive steps it has taken give confidence for the future.

Clive Turner,
Kamares, Paphos
 
  

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