Turkish military flights enter Nicosia FIR without communication, air traffic controllers warn of safety risks
Cyprus air traffic controllers have raised alarms over the frequent unauthorized entry of Turkish military flights into the Nicosia Flight Information Region (FIR) without flight plans or direct communication, increasing risks of mid-air conflicts. A recent near-miss on August 19 involved a Turkish Airbus A400 and a passenger Boeing 737 converging dangerously close, illustrating the ongoing threat. The controllers emphasized that such incidents are part of a continuing pattern rather than isolated occurrences.
The concerns were presented during a joint parliamentary session addressing flight safety and defense issues. Controllers also highlighted severe understaffing, with only 90 of the necessary 140 air traffic control positions filled, adding pressure to the system and raising future risks of delays. They stressed the urgent need for faster hiring, enhanced training, and modernization, notably through a long-delayed state air navigation company approved years ago but not yet operational.
Discussion extended to Greek F-16 flights based in Paphos, with some MPs calling for advance public notice of these flights due to noise concerns. However, military officials argued that daily publication of flight schedules is not feasible given operational variables. The session included top defense and transport officials alongside civil aviation representatives, reflecting the multifaceted challenges facing Cyprus’s airspace management.
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