Cyprus’ ministry of communications and works put out a call for bidders Tuesday, February 27, in a tender to build new passenger terminals at the island's two airports, in an effort to cope with ever-increasing tourist arrivals.
The ministry's announcement said the terminals will be built and operated at Larnaca and Paphos international airports under a long term, build-operate-transfer (BOT) contract.
The announcement said offers should be submitted only by bidders with experience in operating airports with annual passenger numbers over two million.
Details of the contract — including total cost — have not been released, but the tender is seen as a much-needed measure to alleviate congestion at the airports, particularly during peak summer months.
Under BOT contracts, the project proponent operates the facility over a fixed term during which it is allowed to charge facility users, before transferring the facility to the government.
Communications and Works Minister Averof Neophytou said total passenger traffic through both airports in 2000 reached 6.3 million — 4.9 million in Larnaca and 1.4 million in Paphos, indicating a growth of 10.7 percent over 1999.
Larnaca airport, located on the outskirts of the southern resort town, is older and larger than its Paphos counterpart.
Piecemeal additions to Larnaca airport in recent years went some way in accommodating increased passenger traffic, but chronic congestion has been a constant headache.
Tourist arrivals to the island — with a population of around 667,000 — were last year pegged at a record 2.7 million, while arrivals are expected to reach four million over the next decade.
Meanwhile, top circulation Greek-language daily Phileleftheros reported Tuesday that the government is set to grant licenses to private Cypriot charter airlines Helios and Aerotrans for flights to 18 new destinations, primarily to eastern Europe. — (AFP, Nicosia)
© Agence France Presse 2001
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
