Cyprus is not among the countries causing delays in Europe’s air traffic network in 2026, the Civil Aviation Department said, stressing that air traffic control services continue to operate safely and efficiently despite increased traffic in the Nicosia Flight Information Region due to the crisis in the Middle East.
In a statement, the Department responded to media reports, initially published by the Israeli newspaper ‘Israel Hayom’, alleging serious congestion in Greek and Cypriot airspace and citing EUROCONTROL traffic data.
It said that airspace over the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly the Nicosia FIR, has handled increased traffic volumes this summer, as some flight routes have been redirected because of the broader crisis in the Middle East.
The Department stressed, however, that increased traffic should not be confused with air traffic control delays. According to EUROCONTROL network performance data, France and Greece are the main contributors to en-route air traffic flow management delays this summer, together accounting for more than 60% of all delays across the network.
Cyprus is not listed among the network’s delay hotspots in EUROCONTROL’s weekly reports, it added. The capacity and staffing pressures referred to in the media reports concern the air traffic control centre in Greece and not Cyprus.
The Department said that Cyprus’ air traffic control units, including the Area Control Centre and the control towers at Larnaca and Paphos airports, are safely and effectively managing the increased traffic, which has resulted in record flight numbers.
According to the statement, the successful handling of the additional traffic demonstrates the resilience and efficiency of Cyprus’ air navigation system and reflects the efforts of its staff, the reliability of the country’s infrastructure and continued investment in technology and operational procedures.
It added that the increase in traffic highlights the Republic of Cyprus’ critical role as a stable and reliable aviation hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.
‘Cyprus is not part of Europe’s air traffic delay problem. On the contrary, in 2026 it is part of the solution,’ the Department said.
It added that Cyprus would continue to work closely with EUROCONTROL, international aviation organisations and regional partners to maintain high standards of safety, efficiency and service quality for airlines and passengers.
CNA/HT/AGK/2026S, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY