Cyprus’ flag carrier Cobalt Air has been granted permission by Cypriot authorities to begin flying to Tehran. The airline says it will operate daily flights as of 2017.
Based in Larnaca International Airport, the airline aims to connect Cyprus to regional countries before expanding its network in a bid to fill the gap left by the dissolution of its predecessor, Cyprus Airways.
Our Take
This is welcome news for not just tourists, but also businesspeople. Cyprus’ strategic location at the crossroads of three regions (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) can help the country serve as a gateway for Iranians looking to expand their businesses overseas. Furthermore, it opens up Iran, an emerging market, to Cypriot investors.
For tourists, this is great news because there are no direct flights between the two countries, aside from charter flights by Iranian carriers Qeshm Air and Mahan Air during the two-week Norouz (Iranian New Year) holiday season in late March.
