Paphos Airport Terminal
Paphos International Airport (IATA: PFO), located 14 km from Paphos city center, is the second-largest airport in Cyprus and the only one serving the western region of the island. It operates 24/7 and is a vital gateway for travelers heading to popular destinations like Limassol, Coral Bay, and Paphos itself. Known for its convenient infrastructure and scenic surroundings, the airport plays a significant role in Cyprus’s tourism industry.
Historical Background
The airport began operations in 1982, initially handling just four flights per day and accommodating fewer than 200 passengers. Its growth mirrored the rise of tourism in western Cyprus, but by the early 2000s, the original infrastructure was insufficient to meet demand. In 2006, Hermes Airports Ltd took over management and initiated major upgrades. By November 2008, a new terminal was inaugurated, equipped with modern facilities that increased capacity to nearly 3 million passengers annually. The runway and cargo terminal were also upgraded, solidifying the airport’s role as a regional hub.
Terminal Description
The terminal at Paphos Airport is compact yet functional, designed to offer ease of navigation for travelers. It features two main levels:
- Ground Level: Dedicated to arrivals, baggage claim, car rental services, and transportation options such as taxis and shuttle buses.
- Upper Level: Focused on departures, with check-in counters, security checks, boarding gates, and various amenities.
The terminal is equipped with facilities for disabled passengers, including dedicated parking spaces near entrances.
If you’re driving to the airport, opt for long-stay covered parking to protect your vehicle from weather conditions. Pre-booking online can save you money.
Restaurants and Bars at Paphos Airport
Paphos International Airport offers a limited but convenient selection of dining options for passengers. While not as extensive as larger airports, these establishments cater to travelers’ needs before their flights. Here are some of the highlighted places where you can enjoy a meal or drink:
Central Bar
Located in the departures area after passport control, the Central Bar is an ideal spot to relax before your flight. It offers a selection of salads, sushi, homemade cakes, sandwiches, sweets, and pastries. Additionally, it features a wide range of hot and cold beverages, including alcoholic options. It’s a good place to unwind while waiting for your flight.
Premium Lounge
The Premium Lounge at Paphos Airport is an exclusive space for those seeking a more tranquil and comfortable environment. Although reviews about food quality are mixed, with some comments on cold food and basic hot options, it provides snacks, alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, flight monitors, newspapers, magazines, TV, a children’s area, and internet terminals.
Restaurants and Bars in Paphos (Outside the Airport)
If you have time before or after your flight, Paphos offers a rich culinary scene with options for all tastes. Some of the most notable restaurants include:
- Vitro L’ Osteria: This Italian restaurant is highly recommended for its authentic cuisine and excellent service. It offers fresh pasta and pizzas cooked in a traditional stone oven.
- Sapphire Bar And Diner: Known for its breakfasts and tribute acts, it’s a popular spot among visitors.
- Oneil’s Irish Bar and Grill: A classic Irish bar with a good menu and cozy atmosphere.
Tips for Travelers
- Travel Time: Consider the travel time from the airport to Paphos if you plan to dine outside the airport before your flight.
- Airport Options: While options are limited, the Central Bar provides a good alternative for relaxation before your flight.
Shopping at Paphos Airport
Paphos International Airport offers a delightful duty-free shopping experience, featuring international brands, local delicacies, and competitive prices. The airport’s duty-free shops are designed to be both convenient and enjoyable, with a well-organized layout that allows travelers to browse through various sections without feeling rushed.
Products Available
- Beauty and Cosmetics: The duty-free shops host leading beauty brands, offering a wide selection of fragrances and skincare products.
- Spirits and Wines: An abundant collection of wines, whiskies, and spirits from renowned brands is available for purchase.
- Fashion: The shops cater to diverse tastes with a range of fashion items, making it a shopper’s paradise.
- Local Products: Visitors can find unique local products, such as Cypriot wines, olive oils, and traditional sweets, which make excellent souvenirs.
- Electronics: Travelers can explore a variety of electronics from top brands, including headphones, smartphones, tablets, and gadgets.
Shopping Experience
- Convenience: Shops are open around the clock to accommodate all flight schedules, ensuring that travelers can shop at their convenience.
- Friendly Staff: The staff is always ready to assist and provide recommendations, ensuring a seamless shopping experience.
- Ambiance: The duty-free area maintains high standards of cleanliness and organization, providing a pleasant environment for shoppers.
Tips for Shoppers
Promotions: Check for exclusive airport promotions or discounts to maximize savings.
Local Specialties: Consider purchasing local specialties as souvenirs to remember your trip.
Passport Required: Keep your passport handy, as it is needed for duty-free purchases.
Additional Services
- Shop & Collect: Some services allow you to shop online and collect your purchases at the airport, making it easier to manage your luggage.
- Home Delivery: Certain items can be delivered to your home, providing an added convenience for travelers.
VIP Areas
For travelers seeking extra comfort, the Premium Lounge is located opposite Boarding Gate 7 in the departures area. Open from 05:00 am to 00:00 am, it offers amenities like snacks, alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, flight monitors, newspapers, magazines, TV, a children’s area, internet terminals, and telephones. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.
Booking access to the Premium Lounge online ensures availability during peak times.
Popular Flights
Paphos Airport connects to 57 destinations across 21 countries, with Ryanair being its largest carrier. The most frequent route is to Tel Aviv (TLV), Israel—a short flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes. Longer routes include flights to Belfast (BFS) and Dublin (DUB), each taking around 5 hours 30 minutes. Other popular destinations include London Gatwick (LGW) with British Airways or easyJet (4 hours 53 minutes) and Manchester (MAN) with Jet2 or easyJet (5 hours 15 minutes).
Ryanair operates around 130 departures weekly from Paphos—ideal for budget travelers exploring Europe.
Airport Services
Paphos Airport offers a range of services to enhance passenger convenience:
- Wi-Fi: Unlimited free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Simply connect to the "Pafos International Airport Wi-Fi" network.
- ATMs and Banking Facilities: Multiple ATMs are located in both arrivals and departures areas. Banking services are also available for financial transactions.
- Currency Exchange: Prosegur Change operates in the Arrivals Hall, offering favorable exchange rates on a wide range of currencies.
- Baggage Wrapping: The SafeSac service provides protective wrapping for luggage within 60 seconds to prevent damage during transit.
- Luggage Storage: Baggage can be stored at the Special Baggage Counter in the check-in area.
- Lost & Found: For misplaced items, contact the Lost & Found Office at +357 26806446.
- Baby Care Rooms: Dedicated spaces for parents are available, equipped with changing facilities and other essentials.
- Children’s Play Area: Located in the departures zone, this area keeps kids entertained while waiting for flights.
- Smoking Area: Smoking is not permitted within the airport premises.
- Other Services: The airport offers airport tours, luggage storage and lockers, toilets, and a variety of food, drink, and retail concessions.
Tip: Always label your luggage clearly to avoid confusion at baggage claim.
Location Map