The Cyprus–Greece passenger ferry will continue operating in 2027 under its existing contract, while a decision on future state support will be taken next year.
Deputy Director of the Shipping Deputy Ministry Kyriakos Aliouris told the Cyprus News Agency that the route’s performance and passenger data will be assessed before a proposal is submitted to the Council of Ministers.
Existing contract covers 2027
The contract began in 2022 with an initial duration of three years and an option for a further three-year extension. It has since been extended to cover the 2027 season.
“The operator is required to provide the service next summer under the terms of the contract,” Aliouris said. “The Cyprus–Greece maritime connection will therefore operate as normal next year.”
He stressed that there is no prospect of the service being suspended during either the current or the 2027 season.
Decision on state support due next year
No decision has yet been made on whether the government subsidy will continue from 2028.
The Shipping Deputy Ministry has collected passenger and operational data during the route’s five years of operation. These figures will be reviewed after the current season before the ministry submits its recommendation to the Council of Ministers.
If state support is renewed, a new tender will have to be launched to appoint an operator.
“At this stage, it would be premature and risky to say whether the subsidy will stop or continue,” Aliouris said. “No decision has been taken.”
He added that the government’s decision would need to be made during 2027 to allow sufficient time for the necessary procedures.
Passenger numbers continue to rise
Aliouris described the route’s performance as positive, saying the public had embraced the service and that the current season was progressing particularly well.
Passenger traffic has increased annually, alongside the number of vehicles and pets transported. According to Aliouris, 2026 is expected to be the route’s strongest year since its reinstatement.
The government initially introduced the subsidy because no reliable demand data existed after years without a passenger ferry connection between Cyprus and Greece.
Aliouris also highlighted the service’s social value, noting that it provides an alternative for people who are afraid of flying or face health-related difficulties. It also allows passengers to travel with their vehicles or pets.
Viability without a subsidy
Scandro Holding Ltd Chief Executive Officer Charalambos Manolis previously told CNA that the route could not continue without renewed government funding.
Aliouris said the ministry was aware of the issues raised by the operator. However, the data gathered since 2022 now provides a clearer picture of demand.
Any private operator seeking to run the route without state support would need to examine how it could remain financially viable throughout the year, he said.
If the government decides to issue a new subsidised tender, the level of funding will take account of prevailing conditions, including fuel prices and regional developments.
Final 2026 journey scheduled for September
Aliouris reassured passengers that the current season will be completed as scheduled. The final journey will depart from Piraeus on September 1.
“The public should not be concerned,” he said. “The 2027 service is secured, as the operator is required under the existing contract to continue providing it.”
Source: CNA.
