New Larnaca terminal receives first passengers

Nicole Mezzasalma

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The new terminal features 5,000sq m (53,819sq ft) of airside retail space and a further 1,000sq m (10,760sq ft) landside

Cyprus Airports Duty Free (CTC-ARI), the joint venture between Aer Rianta International and Cyprus Trading Corp, has reported that the new Larnaca Zenon International airport successfully opened for passengers on November 10. The new terminal features 5,000sq m (53,819sq ft) of airside retail space and a further 1,000sq m (10,760sq ft) dedicated to arrivals and landside shops. The first customer, Eleni Pantelli, spent €45.60 ($69.60) on fragrances and received a basket of local specialities as a gift.

The company said that the retail areas were design to complement the airport building, with a central area where passengers are led to the main retail hub, where they can view both sides of the retail offer: luxury goods, watches, fragrance and cosmetics on one side and liquor, tobacco, electronics, confectionery, toys and the Xpress concept on the other. The area also has food and beverage outlets and the main bar is located at the end of the central walkway to keep customers in the commercial areas and encourage penetration and browsing.

Niche retail concepts such as Uisge Beatha whisky concept and new wine concept Kelari are highlighted in the new terminal and feature tasting bars. Another new concept, Kypriaka (pictured), has been developed with a focus on traditional Cypriot merchandise.

CTC-ARI general manager Danny Galvin said: “We are extremely pleased with the new facilities and environment we have created. It has completely changed the face of retailing in Larnaca airport. The new terminal, with increased retail space, has given us the opportunity to include brands such as Crème de la Mer, Bobbi Brown, Kiehl’s and MAC and we have a fantastic retail offer for our passengers. The facilities at the new airport are world class and we are very proud to be showcasing them.”

Head of retail and marketing Martin Mullen added: “We had a really smooth start to operations with no problems. Passengers are very happy with the new shops as they are a complete transformation in regard to the retail environment and product offering.”