Larnaca: A drill simulating a response to a drone threat was carried out at Larnaca International Airport on Saturday due to increased drone activity in the area, which poses potential risks to flight safety, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works said.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the exercise scenario involved the detection, identification, and neutralisation of a drone that had entered a restricted area near the runway. The drone was assessed as a threat to aircraft safety, leading to the immediate mobilization of airport services.
The coordinated response of the involved agencies resulted in the successful neutralization of the drone. Simultaneously, efforts were initiated to locate and apprehend the drone operator.
Participating in the exercise were the Air Traffic Control Tower, the National Guard, the Cyprus Police, the Department of Civil Aviation, Hermes Airports Ltd., the Search and Rescue Coordination Center, the Airport Fire Station, and ground handling service providers, the press release added.
The Ministry noted that the areas surrounding Larnaca and Paphos international airports are classified as no-fly zones for drones, and that violating these regulations is a punishable offense. Drone flight rules in the Republic of Cyprus are defined by law (R.A.A 190/2024), which is available on the website www.drones.gov.cy.