Blue Air (Romania) (BLA, Bucharest Henri Coanda) is the latest carrier to swoop on the Cypriot market following the demise of Cyprus Airways (1947) (Larnaca) last week. The Romanian LCC this week announced plans to open up a base in Larnaca with effect from January 19. Athens and Thessaloniki are to be its initial destinations.

Meanwhile Aegean Airlines (A3, Athens) has ratcheted up the stakes announcing it will dedicate four A320-200s to its Cypriot operations during the upcoming summer season.

“We would like to thank our passengers from Cyprus for their support during our 10-year presence here. We are reciprocating your trust with a major investment: 4 new aircraft to cover 14 destinations totalling 1.5 million available seats per year from Cyprus," Aegean's Vice-Chairman, Eftichios Vasilakis, said.

The Greek carrier plans to introduce new routes connecting Larnaca and Paphos with Athens, Thessaloniki, Irakleion, Rhodes, Mykonos, Thira Santorini, London Heathrow, Paris CDG, Munich, Rome Fiumicino, and Milan Malpensa.