Nicosia: The Flight Safety Foundation - Southeast Europe - Cyprus (FSF-SE-Europe-Cyprus) has voiced 'strong' concern and condemned Turkey's ongoing violations involving military aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) within the Nicosia Flight Information Region (FIR), citing a lack of required coordination with competent air traffic control services.
According to Cyprus News Agency, in response to recent media reports and statements by the Cyprus Air Traffic Controllers' Union and the Department of Civil Aviation, FSF-SE-Europe-Cyprus highlighted that such unauthorized incursions particularly near critical air routes and approach areas of Larnaca and Paphos airports significantly increase operational risks. These actions place an undue burden on air traffic controllers and violate principles and procedures essential for the safe management of international civil aviation.
The Foundation expressed its support to air traffic controllers and other staff, emphasizing that despite these challenges, the level of aviation safety within the Nicosia FIR remains 'particularly high'. FSF-SE-Europe-Cyprus underscored that adherence to international civil aviation rules and procedures, alongside ensuring the safety of flights and passengers, must remain a non-negotiable priority.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 following Turkey's invasion and occupation of its northern region. Efforts by the United Nations to broker peace have repeatedly stalled, with the most recent talks in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ending without resolution.