The airline has competitive return economy and business class fares to European destinations. The fares are valid until March 31, 2004.

`While our prices are among the best in the market, it is the conveniences we offer that set us apart,` said C. K. Hussain, Gulf Manager, Cyprus Airways.

`For example, passengers flying to Europe through London can choose to come back via any other city (e.g. Paris) on our European route network.

`Travellers have the option of changing their flight times or travel dates, subject to seat availability. They can also choose to stopover at Larnaca and continue on their journey afterwards.`

The Cypriot national flag carrier operates four weekly flights from Dubai to Larnaca, from where it has onward connections to 22 European airports. It operates 16 weekly flights to London Heathrow and seven additional flights to other London airports - Gatwick and Stansted. The airline also operates four times a week to Manchester and two to Birmingham.

For Middle Eastern holidaymakers, Cyprus Airways has a great getaway deal, which includes return economy flights, a three-night stay at a four-star hotel and other incentives.

`Cyprus Airways continues to provide one of the best air travel experiences from the Middle East at extremely competitive rates,` said Stavros Kyprianou, Cyprus Airways` Mid East and Gulf Chief. `We want people to be able to enjoy the twin experiences of spending time at warm, sunny beaches in the morning and then snow skiing in the evening at the Troodos Mountains, which are just a short drive away.`

In addition to air tickets and accommodation, the offer includes breakfast, meet-and-assist and free airport-hotel-airport transfers for the 40 minutes drive between Larnaca Airport and Limassol.

Cyprus, with its friendly people, rich history, ancient monuments, tremendous food and delightful traditions, has long been a favourite with tourists from the Gulf, both nationals and expatriates. Tourism is the country`s number one foreign exchange earner.

The carrier services 24 countries including all major European and Middle East destinations. It also flies to Larnaca from Amman, Bahrain, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus, Jeddah and Riyadh. The airline recently added Colombo to its route network.

Photo: C.K. Hussain, Gulf Manager, Cyprus Airways