**Larnaca’s Moldova Route Sees Traffic Soar 192% in 2025**
Passenger traffic between Chisinau, Moldova, and Larnaca, Cyprus, experienced a remarkable surge in 2025, with numbers nearly tripling compared to the previous year. According to data from Moldova’s Civil Aviation Authority, a total of 78,912 passengers traveled on the Chisinau–Larnaca route in 2025, a significant increase from the 26,988 passengers recorded in 2024. This surge represents an increase of 51,924 passengers, equating to a staggering 192.4% growth, positioning Larnaca as one of the fastest-growing destinations for travelers from the Moldovan capital.
The growth in passenger numbers reflects a rising demand for direct air travel between Cyprus and Moldova, a trend that has prompted airlines to expand their services. SkyUp Airlines, which began operating scheduled flights from Moldova in April 2025, has announced the continuation of its direct flights between Chisinau and Larnaca for the summer season of 2027. The airline has opened ticket sales for this route, which will operate from March 26 to October 30, 2027.
SkyUp’s chief executive, Dmytro Sieroukhov, expressed enthusiasm about the resumption of direct flights, highlighting the convenience it offers to travelers. "We are particularly pleased to resume direct flights between Larnaca and Chisinau in the summer season of 2027, offering passengers a convenient way to travel between Cyprus and Moldova," he stated. The airline's commitment to this route is seen as a response to the growing demand for air connectivity, which is expected to bolster tourism, business travel, and personal visits between the two countries.
The Larnaca route is part of a broader summer program from SkyUp, which includes 26 destinations across 11 countries. The airline has introduced over ten new routes, expanding its network to include popular European cities such as Vienna, Milan, Prague, Dusseldorf, Nuremberg, and Paris, as well as holiday destinations like Rhodes, Batumi, and several Croatian cities, including Pula and Split.
The increase in traffic on the Chisinau–Larnaca route significantly outpaced the overall growth at Chisinau International Airport, which saw total passenger traffic rise by 46.8% in 2025, reaching a record 6.08 million passengers, up from 4.14 million the previous year. This overall growth is indicative of a recovering travel market, as airlines and airports adapt to post-pandemic travel trends.
SkyUp Airlines reported that during 2025, it carried more than three million passengers and operated nearly 20,000 flights across its network. The airline's expansion and the increase in passenger traffic on the Chisinau–Larnaca route underscore a growing interest in direct travel options, reflecting broader trends in the aviation industry as it rebounds from the challenges posed by the pandemic.
As travel demand continues to rise, the Chisinau–Larnaca route is likely to remain a key connection for travelers looking to explore the cultural and recreational offerings of both Cyprus and Moldova. The anticipated growth in air travel between these two destinations highlights the importance of direct flight services in facilitating international travel and fostering connections between countries.