Taxi drivers in Larnaca staged a four-hour strike on Tuesday, citing what they call a matter of "professional survival."
The strike, organised by the Pancyprian Organisation of Taxi Drivers (POAT), took place between 7 and 11 am at Larnaca Airport. The union warned that if authorities do not take immediate action, a 24-hour strike could follow on 20 January.
They also stated that if no solutions are provided by 28 January, they would begin an indefinite strike. Drivers say their main concern is the uncontrolled operation of ride-hailing applications at the airport.
One taxi driver who wished to remain anonymous told Politis that tourists often bypass official taxi ranks, booking rides through apps instead. He said this has a direct effect on daily earnings.
“Every day I see tourists walking out of the airport, checking their phones, and calling a car through an app. They don’t even look at the taxi stand,” the driver said.
“We are ready to cooperate with innovation, but only if the law is applied properly. It’s about respect for our profession.”
“Meanwhile, we are here, waiting, following all the rules, and yet we get no customers. This isn’t fair,” he added.
Taxi drivers have held multiple meetings with the Licensing Authority and the Road Transport Department, but say no substantive action has been taken.
They demand the immediate removal of all app activity from Larnaca Airport for services operating without the proper road use permit, and strict enforcement of the taxi rank system, requiring all apps to comply without exception.
POAT emphasised that they are seeking enforcement of the law and the restoration of legality, noting that authorities are responsible for any consequences of inaction.
The Licensing Authority responded with a statement expressing surprise and concern about the strike. It said it is working to mediate the issue and promote regulatory changes.
The authority urged POAT to reconsider the strike, warning that it could harm tourism, the economy, and Cyprus’ international image at a sensitive time.
The dispute highlights tensions between traditional taxi services and app-based transport platforms, particularly in high-traffic areas such as Larnaca Airport.
Drivers say the current situation threatens their livelihoods, while authorities face pressure to update regulations to balance the needs of professional drivers and technology-driven services.