**Aviation Body Voices ‘Deep Concern’ Over Turkish Airspace Violations**
The Flight Safety Foundation has expressed serious concerns regarding Turkey's ongoing violations of airspace within the Nicosia Flight Information Region (FIR), particularly involving military aircraft and drones. This statement was released on Monday in response to recent media coverage and announcements from the air traffic controllers' union and the civil aviation authority.
The foundation condemned these activities, emphasizing that they pose significant risks, especially when conducted near critical air routes and in the approach areas of Larnaca and Paphos airports. Such incursions create additional operational challenges and place undue pressure on air traffic controllers tasked with maintaining safety in the region.
In its statement, the Flight Safety Foundation extended its full support to air traffic controllers and technical staff, commending their high level of professional training and operational readiness. It highlighted the importance of their constant vigilance and quick response to emergencies or unusual situations, which are crucial for upholding flight safety standards in Cyprus.
The concerns raised by the foundation follow comments from the civil aviation authority, which indicated that the presence of Turkish military aircraft in Cypriot airspace is a recurring issue that controllers must manage almost daily. The authority cited a recent incident involving a British Tui Airways Boeing 737 passenger jet and a Turkish air force A400M military transport aircraft that were in close proximity, underscoring the potential dangers posed by such violations.
The civil aviation authority noted that these occurrences are not unexpected given the frequency of Turkish military activity in the region. It stressed the importance of distinguishing between this ongoing operational challenge and the broader context of aviation safety, asserting that the timely management of these situations reflects the effectiveness of the air traffic control system in Cyprus.
Cyprus has consistently raised the issue of airspace violations at the United Nations. A letter sent in March by the country’s permanent representative documented 305 air violations and 33 naval violations during January and February alone. These violations included incursions by Bayraktar drones, F-16 and RF-4 fighter jets, as well as various military transport aircraft, all of which entered the Nicosia FIR without the necessary diplomatic clearance.
The ongoing situation has prompted calls for increased international attention and intervention to address the violations and ensure the safety of air travel in the region. As tensions persist, the Flight Safety Foundation's concerns highlight the critical need for effective management of airspace and the protection of civil aviation operations in Cyprus.