Cyprus expects to launch direct air links with India

Cyprus is taking new steps to launch direct flights with India. Transport Minister Alexis Vafeadis held talks with representatives of the largest Indian airlines, which expressed serious interest in entering the Cypriot market. During a business trip to India, the Cypriot delegation met with the management of Air India and IndiGo. The prospects of launching direct flights between Cyprus and India, as well as developing cooperation in the aviation sector, were discussed.

According to the minister, talks are ongoing, and further steps are expected in the coming months. One of the key issues will be updating the air services agreement between Cyprus and India, which has been in force since 2000. At present, the document allows flights only by Air India and Cyprus Airways, as at the time of signing they were state-owned carriers. The Cypriot authorities intend to revise the agreement to allow IndiGo — India’s largest airline by passenger traffic — to operate flights.

According to sources, the company has already approached the Indian government with a request to be officially included in the agreement. Cyprus Airways is also interested in direct flights. The airline is considering launching routes to India after expanding its fleet with longer-range aircraft.

The government believes that direct air connectivity with India could significantly strengthen Cyprus’ tourism and business ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. In addition, new routes could increase the island’s transit potential and expand its international air network.