The recurring issue of flight safety due to the continued operation of the illegal airport in occupied Tymbou and in particular the risks for those using it, given that its operation is based on illegal procedures and reduced radar range, was raised to the European Commission by MEP Costas Mavridis (DIKO – S&D). The Cypriot MEP asks the Commission to take action to ensure Turkey's compliance with international rules and legality for the safety of flights within the EU.
The issue of the operation of unauthorized aircraft and drones in the Nicosia FIR has been brought back to the fore by the Cyprus Air Traffic Controllers’ Association following a recent incident. Specifically, a Turkish military aircraft did not respond to calls from the Nicosia Control Centre and deviated from its route, starting to climb towards the flight level of another civilian aircraft. Although the level of aviation safety in Cypriot airspace remains particularly high and Civil Aviation personnel are familiar with the management of such incidents, the Turkish actions violate international law and inevitably create risks. Both the European Commission and the European Parliament Reports on Turkey make specific reference to the serious risks posed by Turkey's refusal to comply with its obligations under international and European law and to re-establish a communication channel between the Air Traffic Control Centres of Turkey and the Republic of Cyprus. It also notes that the lack of communication poses real risks to flight safety, as identified by the European Aviation Safety Agency and the International Federation of Airline Pilots' Associations, and calls on Turkey to comply, as this is an area where it could demonstrate its commitment to confidence-building measures.
For the above reasons, Mr. K. Mavridis asks the Commission to take action to end the anomaly and ensure Turkey's compliance with international rules and legality for the safety of flights within the EU.
