The new routes are expected to contribute 940,000 passengers annually as the low-cost carrier nearly doubles its Paphos operations. Around 700 jobs are expected to be generated due to the massive network expansion.

Following the announcement, Pafos Regional Board of Tourism (ETAP) released a statement, labelling the development as very important for the region and Pafos International Airport’s prestige.

Ryanair’s decision is expected to give a significant boost to the Cyprus economy and further develop various tourism sectors all-year-round, such as sports tourism, golf and countryside tourism, according to ETAP.

The 12 new routes are; Amman, Jordan, Bournemouth, UK, Bratislava, Slovakia, Bucharest, Romania, Budapest, Hungary, Chania, Greece, Dublin, Ireland, Kaunas, Lithuania, Krakow, Poland, Liverpool, UK, Riga, Latvia, and Tallinn, Estonia.