Cyprus AirwaysCY

Important: This is the relaunched Cyprus Airways, not the original flag carrier. The original Cyprus Airways operated from 1947 to January 2015, when it ceased operations due to financial difficulties after the European Commission ruled that state aid received was illegal. The brand was reborn in 2016-2017 under new ownership as a separate legal entity (Charlie Airlines Ltd).

Cyprus Airways is a Cypriot airline operating from Larnaca International Airport (LCA), providing connections between Cyprus and destinations across Europe and the Middle East. The airline launched commercial operations in June 2017 after Charlie Airlines Ltd won a competitive tender to license the historic Cyprus Airways brand from the Cypriot government.

Originally backed by Russia's S7 Group (via Vladislav Filev), the airline has undergone ownership changes since launch. In 2022, Arcosjet fully acquired the carrier, strengthening its financial position and enabling expansion. The airline obtained IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification in 2018 and joined IATA the same year. In 2025, Cyprus Airways became a member of the European Regions Airline Association (ERA).

Today, Cyprus Airways operates a modern fleet of 6 aircraft (4 Airbus A220-300 and 2 Airbus A320), carrying over 400,000 passengers annually to 19+ destinations. The airline positions itself as a hybrid carrier—affordable fares with a straightforward fee structure, while maintaining service quality above ultra-low-cost competitors. Cyprus Airways is not a member of any airline alliance and does not operate a frequent flyer program.

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (all fares):

• Dimensions: 35 x 20 x 20 cm (13.8 x 7.9 x 7.9 in)
• Weight: 5 kg (11 lbs)
• Must fit under the seat in front of you

Cabin Bag (all fares):

• Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 20 cm (21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9 in)
• Must fit in overhead locker

Fare Type	Cabin Bag Weight
Economy Basic	10 kg (22 lbs)
Economy Flex	10 kg (22 lbs)
Business Flex	15 kg (33 lbs)

Checked Baggage

Maximum Size: 203 cm total dimensions (length + width + height) / 80 linear inches

Fare Type	Bags Included	Weight Limit
Economy Basic	0 (purchase available)	23 kg (50 lbs) per bag
Economy Flex	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)
Business Flex	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Purchasing Additional Bags:

• Add baggage through Manage Booking or during online check-in
• Pre-booking online is recommended for better rates

Special Items

Infants (under 2 years) - Complimentary:

• 1 collapsible stroller or pushchair
• 1 car seat

These items are carried free of charge and do not count against your baggage allowance.

Damaged Baggage

Report any damage immediately at the airport's Lost & Found desk. Cyprus Airways does not cover:

• Scratches or dents from normal handling
• Damage from overpacking
• Lost accessories (straps, wheels, handles)
• Fragile items

Claims cannot be accepted after leaving the airport unless you can prove the damage occurred while in the airline's care.

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at cyprusairways.com/baggage-allowance before traveling.

Fleet Overview

Cyprus Airways operates a modern, young fleet:

Airbus A220-300 (4 aircraft):

• The newest additions to the fleet (first arrived June 2023)
• Wider cabin with 2-3 configuration
• Larger windows and overhead bins
• Quieter cabin than older narrowbody types
• More comfortable humidity levels

Airbus A320 (2 aircraft):

• Standard 3-3 configuration
• Proven, reliable aircraft type

Cabin Classes

Cyprus Airways offers two cabin classes:

Business Flex:

• Front cabin seating
• 15 kg cabin bag allowance
• 2 checked bags at 32 kg each
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Enhanced meal service

Economy (Basic and Flex):

• Standard seating throughout
• 10 kg cabin bag allowance
• Meal service available for purchase
• Seat selection available

Entertainment

• No seatback entertainment systems
• Download content to personal devices before flight
• Flight times are relatively short (under 5 hours to all destinations)

Food & Beverage

• Buy-on-board service available
• Pre-order meals recommended for specific dietary requirements
• Business Flex includes complimentary meal service

Booking

• Book direct: cyprusairways.com often has the best prices and easier issue resolution
• Compare fare totals: Economy Basic + purchased bag may cost more than Economy Flex with bag included
• Check seasonal routes: Summer schedule has significantly more destinations than winter
• Athens connections: If continuing beyond Athens, compare with separate tickets

Understanding the "New" Cyprus Airways

• Not the original airline: The pre-2015 Cyprus Airways was a different company
• No legacy benefits: Frequent flyer miles from the old airline are not honored
• Independent operator: Not part of any larger airline group or alliance
• Different service model: Hybrid/low-cost approach vs. the original's full-service model

At the Airport

• LCA is compact: Easy navigation, but limited lounge options
• Check-in online: Save time by using the mobile app or website
• Pre-book bags: Online prices are better than airport rates
• Arrive early for Tel Aviv: Enhanced security procedures

Fleet Tips

• Request A220: If given a choice, the A220-300 offers a better passenger experience
• 2-3 seating: On A220s, no true middle seat in economy
• Larger windows: A220 has the biggest windows of any single-aisle jet

Route Tips

• Athens frequency: Multiple daily flights—easy to rebook if needed
• Dubai connections: Good for connecting to Asia via DXB
• Seasonal planning: Book summer Mediterranean routes early
• Greek island connections: Consider Heraklion route for Crete access

Common Issues

• No FFP: No way to earn airline miles directly
• Limited network: Only 19+ destinations—may need connections
• Seasonal fluctuations: Some routes only operate in summer
• No alliance: Cannot use partner airlines for connections or benefits

Money-Saving Tips

• Cabin bag only: Travel light to avoid checked bag fees on Basic fares
• Book early: Prices typically rise closer to departure
• Flexible dates: Mid-week flights often cheaper than weekends
• Compare with LCCs: Check Ryanair/Wizz Air on competing routes for price comparison