Data by our local partners SEMO Cyprus and INNOSOFT show a Cypriot market sinking -17.4% year-on-year in January to just 1,293 units. Kia (-25.4%) returns to the top spot it held over the Full Year 2025 with a dominant 14.5% share, and despite falling faster than the market. Toyota (-4.3%) follows ahead of Volkswagen (-9.9%) and Mercedes (-6.6%), all of them gaining share year-on-year. BMW (-36.4%) suffers from a particularly high year-ago result when it surged to #2 overall. Newcomer BYD is up to a record 6.7% share but drops one spot on December to #7.
Model-wise, the Kia Sportage (-21.1%) and Stonic (-24.7%) are on top like over the Full Year 2025, only with rankings exchanged. Now that we have access to actual monthly results (and not Top 30 YTD), we logically see some BYD models appear. The Atto 3 ranks at a fantastic third place, the Sealion 7 at #16 and the Dolphin Surf at #21. Toyota completes the Top 5 with the Yaris at #4 and the C-HR at #5. Notice also the VW Tiguan repeating at #7 vs. #22 in 2025, the Mercedes GLA up to #15 and the Renault 5 at #30.
Wizz Air has announced a significant increase in its summer capacity for 2026, launching new Larnaka–Barcelona flights that aim to boost tourism between Cyprus and Spain. This move, confirmed on February 18, is part of the airline’s broader strategy to strengthen its Mediterranean leisure travel network. With more flights and increased frequency on popular European routes, Wizz Air is capitalising on the growing demand for city breaks and beach holidays in the region, making it easier for tourists to connect between Cyprus and Spain.
The Larnaka–Barcelona flights, scheduled for Summer 2026, offer an exciting new option for leisure travelers, further enhancing the appeal of Cyprus as a key gateway to Western Europe. This addition is expected to benefit both local tourists seeking new travel destinations and international visitors planning their trips during peak holiday periods.
What This Means for Business and Leisure Travelers
For business and leisure travelers, the introduction of new routes typically creates fresh opportunities to explore exciting destinations. Cyprus, known for its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage, now has even greater connectivity to popular Spanish destinations like Barcelona. For business travelers, this expanded capacity offers more direct connections between the two destinations, improving access to key economic hubs and corporate events.
Tourists can now enjoy more affordable and convenient travel options, especially during the peak summer months when demand for Mediterranean destinations is at its highest. The new flights will support weekend city breaks, offering visitors an easy way to enjoy both the cultural richness of Barcelona and the relaxing beach lifestyle in Cyprus. As demand grows, these flights are expected to cater to both price-sensitive leisure travelers and those seeking a more premium experience.
How Wizz Air’s Expansion Benefits Travelers
More Flight Options: With the addition of the Larnaka–Barcelona flights, travelers now have more flexibility in scheduling their holidays. The increased frequency of flights between key cities across Europe makes it easier to plan trips without compromising on travel dates.
Better Pricing: Although there may be initial discounts to stimulate early bookings, the increased capacity often results in competitive pricing for travelers. Early bookings typically offer lower fares, but as demand grows and load factors increase, prices may stabilize, especially for peak travel periods in July and August.
Increased Convenience: By adding new flight routes and increasing frequency, Wizz Air has made it easier for passengers to connect between Cyprus and major Spanish cities. Whether for business, tourism, or cultural exploration, travelers can now expect smoother transitions between flights and more efficient connections.
Non-Ticket Revenue Growth: As airlines expand capacity, they typically see a rise in revenue from additional services, such as baggage fees, seat selection, and priority boarding. This means travelers can expect enhanced services on board, as well as greater choices for customising their travel experience. This is especially beneficial for tourists who want a more tailored, convenient trip.
Wizz Air’s expansion into the Mediterranean market reflects the growing demand for affordable and reliable travel between Europe and the Middle East. By adding new flights and increasing frequencies on existing routes from Larnaka, the airline is catering to a market that values flexibility, affordability, and reliability. With leisure travel continuing to dominate the region, Wizz Air’s low-cost model positions it well to capitalize on the surge in tourism, especially during the busy summer months.
The airline’s strategic move not only expands Cyprus’s connectivity to mainland Europe but also strengthens Spain’s position as a major travel hub. Both destinations, known for their vibrant culture, history, and beaches, stand to benefit significantly from the increased traffic, which will further enhance their appeal to international tourists.
Key Points for Tourists and Travelers
Larnaka–Barcelona Flights: These new flights will improve access between Cyprus and Spain, catering to both business and leisure travelers.
Increased Flight Frequency: With more flights available, travelers can benefit from improved flexibility in travel planning, especially during peak holiday seasons.
Affordability: Early discounts will be available for passengers booking tickets soon, making these flights an affordable option for travelers on a budget.
Enhanced Services: The expansion is expected to improve overall passenger experience with additional services, such as more seating options and personalized services.
Tourist Growth: Cyprus and Spain will experience a boost in tourist arrivals, with more travelers taking advantage of the new route to explore these Mediterranean destinations.
Quick Tips for Booking Your Summer 2026 Trip
Book Early: To take advantage of lower fares, plan your summer 2026 trip in advance. Early booking offers the best discounts and availability.
Check Frequency and Dates: Look out for peak weekends when flights are likely to sell out fast. Plan your trip around these dates to avoid higher prices.
Customize Your Experience: Take advantage of Wizz Air’s additional services, such as seat selection and baggage options, to enhance your travel comfort.
Monitor Special Offers: Keep an eye on seasonal promotions and discounts as Wizz Air expands its Mediterranean network.
Explore Multiple Destinations: If you are traveling to Cyprus or Spain, consider adding weekend city breaks or exploring surrounding areas to maximize your trip.
Impact on Cyprus and Spain Tourism
The expansion of Wizz Air’s flights into Cyprus and Spain comes at a crucial time for both destinations. Cyprus continues to be a popular getaway for UK and European travelers, especially during the summer months, while Spain remains a top choice for city breaks, cultural tours, and beach vacations. With better connections and increased capacity, both destinations will benefit from higher tourist numbers, contributing to the local economies and tourism industries.
As Wizz Air builds out its network, we expect more seamless travel experiences and stronger tourism growth across the Mediterranean. The new routes also support local businesses, especially in Larnaka, where the airport expects a rise in non-aero revenues as more passengers travel through. With more options for connecting flights, tourists will find it easier than ever to plan their perfect summer getaway in these iconic Mediterranean destinations.
Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated and Does Not Represent any Real Property
Cyprus is gearing up for a booming summer tourism season in 2026, thanks to Wizz Air’s expansion from Larnaca International Airport (LCA). The airline is significantly increasing its presence at Larnaca, adding new routes, expanding frequencies on existing services, and enhancing the island’s connectivity with key European destinations. The new services and increased capacity are expected to draw thousands of visitors to Cyprus, reaffirming the country’s role as a leading Mediterranean tourist destination.
With the summer season around the corner, Cyprus has long been a coveted destination for tourists. Now, thanks to Wizz Air’s growth, the island will become even more accessible, connecting travelers from major cities across Europe to Larnaca’s welcoming shores. Whether for a relaxing beach vacation, vibrant cultural experiences, or short city breaks, more travelers will have the opportunity to explore all that Cyprus has to offer.
New Routes to Attract More Visitors
Wizz Air is not only adding extra frequencies to popular routes but also launching several exciting new connections for Summer 2026. One of the highlights is the new Varna–Larnaca route, set to begin in June 2026. The airline will operate this route three times a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. This connection offers a unique opportunity for Bulgarian travelers to visit Cyprus’ famous beaches and historical sites, while also allowing Cypriot residents to explore Varna, Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast.
The Varna service will open new doors for the growing number of visitors interested in both leisure and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel, further strengthening the ties between the two regions. Additionally, the introduction of new services such as flights to Barcelona will further improve access to Cyprus from Spain, broadening the airline’s reach to tourists from Western Europe.
Expanding Frequencies on Key Routes
Wizz Air is also ramping up capacity on its existing routes from Larnaca Airport. Popular connections, including flights to London Gatwick, Bucharest, and Budapest, will see increased frequencies throughout the summer. London Gatwick, in particular, will have daily flights, making it easier than ever for British holidaymakers and business travelers to reach Cyprus. The airline is also increasing flights to cities like Prague, Iasi, Kutaisi, and Yerevan, making Larnaca an even more attractive base for those looking to explore the Mediterranean.
These expanded operations are expected to significantly boost the number of international travelers arriving at Larnaca Airport, directly contributing to Cyprus’ tourism sector growth. With more convenient flight options, tourists will have greater flexibility and the opportunity to plan their trips with ease.
Boosting Cyprus’ Tourism Industry
The impact of Wizz Air’s expansion on Cyprus tourism cannot be overstated. Cyprus has long been a popular destination for European tourists, known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and vibrant cultural experiences. With more flight options, the island is poised to attract even more visitors, many of whom are looking for short getaways or extended vacations.
The added capacity is not only beneficial for the island’s tourism industry but also plays a vital role in supporting local businesses and tourism infrastructure. More tourists will likely explore the attractions, restaurants, hotels, and resorts that make Cyprus so special. Additionally, as the island is increasingly seen as a convenient hub for travelers from a variety of markets, Cyprus may see a more diverse set of visitors than ever before.
The new routes also reflect growing confidence in Cyprus as a major European tourism destination. As the aviation and tourism sectors continue to recover from the effects of the pandemic, airlines like Wizz Air are betting on the island’s ability to draw crowds back for unforgettable holidays.
Tourists and Locals Will Benefit from Enhanced Connectivity
For both residents of Cyprus and the island’s tourism sector, Wizz Air’s increased operations bring significant advantages. Not only does it offer more convenient options for locals traveling to key European cities, but it also brings in more business for the hospitality and leisure industries. From Larnaca’s famous coastline to the ancient ruins scattered across the island, the influx of new visitors will help drive growth and innovation in tourism services.
Additionally, the increase in routes and frequencies supports Cyprus’ broader vision of becoming a stronger regional player in global tourism. By continuing to strengthen ties with international markets, Cyprus will continue to showcase its unique blend of Mediterranean culture, history, and beauty.
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Details
Best Time to Visit
– Spring (April – June): Mild temperatures, ideal for sightseeing. – Autumn (September – November): Warm seas for beach activities. – Summer (July–August): High season with vibrant beaches and nightlife. – Winter: Quiet with mild temperatures, ideal for exploring.
Top Attractions
– Finikoudes Beach: Central beach with restaurants and cafes. – Mackenzie Beach: Lively area with water sports and bars. – Kastella Beach: Family-friendly with calm waters. – Church of Saint Lazarus: Byzantine church in city center. – Larnaca Fort & Museum: Historical fort and exhibits. – Larnaca Salt Lake & Hala Sultan Tekke: Birdwatching and tranquil surroundings.
Cultural & Historical Sites
– Pierides Museum: Displays Cyprus’s ancient history. – Larnaca District Archaeological Museum: Artifacts from Kition and beyond. – Larnaca Fort: 14th-century structure offering panoramic views. – Lefkara Village: Famous for traditional lace-making and silverwork.
Food & Dining
– Try Meze platters, souvlaki, grilled halloumi, and seafood at local tavernas. – Cypriot wines and fresh fruit desserts are must-tries.
Activities & Adventure
– Boat Excursions: Sunset cruises and snorkeling around the Zenobia wreck. – Water Sports: Jet skiing, paddleboarding, and scuba diving. – Walking & Biking: Explore Finikoudes and Piale Pasha Promenade. – Hiking & Nature Walks: Discover the Troodos Mountains or Larnaca Salt Lake.
Where to Stay
– Finikoudes & City Centre: Perfect for first-time visitors. – Mackenzie: Great for nightlife and beachfront stays. – Kiti & Voroklini: Quieter areas for long stays.
Getting Around
– Walk around central Larnaca to explore most attractions. – Public buses connect the city with suburbs. – Taxis and car rentals available for easy exploration.
Day Trips
– Ayia Napa & Protaras: Beaches and nightlife. – Lefkara Village: For traditional crafts and local culture. – Troodos Mountains: Hiking and wineries.
Travel Tips
– Currency: Euro (€) – Language: Greek (English widely spoken). – Safety: Larnaca is a safe city for travelers. – WiFi: Widely available in cafes, restaurants, and hotels.
Recommended Itinerary
– Day 1: Visit Finikoudes Beach & Larnaca Fort. – Day 2: Explore Church of Saint Lazarus, Pierides Museum, and Salt Lake. – Day 3: Day trip to Troodos Mountains or Ayia Napa. – Day 4: Zenobia wreck dive or sunset cruise.
Looking Ahead to a Bright Future for Cyprus Tourism
With the Summer 2026 travel season fast approaching, Wizz Air’s expansion at Larnaca International Airport marks a pivotal moment for Cyprus tourism. The addition of new routes and increased flight frequencies not only makes Cyprus more accessible but also reflects the island’s growing importance in European travel networks.
As the number of direct flights from major cities across Europe increases, Cyprus is well positioned to see a surge in international visitors. Wizz Air’s expansion at Larnaca promises a bright future for the island’s tourism industry, with more tourists arriving to enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine and all that Cyprus has to offer.
In the years ahead, Cyprus will continue to build on these efforts, welcoming new visitors while providing returning travelers with even better flight options. Thanks to Wizz Air’s commitment to growing its presence at Larnaca, Cyprus will be firmly placed on the map for a vibrant summer season and beyond.
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The BYD Atto 3 ranks #3 in Cyprus in January.