In Larnaca, a proposal has been made to turn the former airport into an exhibition center

As part of Larnaca’s preparations for the European Capital of Culture 2030 program, the city is discussing an idea that could give the “Larnaca 2030” project a practical continuation — not only in the form of events, but also through new infrastructure. Publicist and civic activist Artemios Mallas proposed considering the site of the former airport as a venue for an international exhibition and conference center.

According to his arguments, the site appears to be a logical choice: it is located next to the operating airport, already has access roads and utilities, and therefore launching the project would be more realistic than searching for a “clean” plot and building from scratch. The concept envisages a modular format — the complex could be commissioned in stages and expanded as demand grows.

Such a facility, according to the author’s vision, could operate year-round: hosting exhibitions, business forums, conferences, concerts, and major events, helping Larnaca become less dependent on the seasonality of tourism. As an additional argument, geography is cited: the city is located about 40 minutes from Nicosia and Limassol, and the airport provides convenient direct flights to Europe and the Middle East.

Mallas also notes that the island effectively lacks a modern venue of this level: Limassol does not have a specialized exhibition center, and the infrastructure in Nicosia is considered outdated. Therefore, a new complex in Larnaca could fill this niche and attract international events, especially during the winter period, supporting hotels, the service sector, and the labor market.