**Cyprus Clarifies Position on European Aviation Delays**
The Civil Aviation Department of Cyprus issued a statement on Wednesday clarifying that the Republic of Cyprus is not among the countries contributing to delays in European aviation. This response comes in light of reports from Israeli media suggesting that Cyprus and Greece were experiencing significant flight delays affecting travel to and from Israel.
In its statement, the Civil Aviation Department emphasized that Cyprus is not listed as a "delay producer" for the year 2026. The department sought to address concerns raised by an article in the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, which warned of extensive delays in the Eastern Mediterranean airspace, particularly impacting flights connected to Israel.
The statement acknowledged that the airspace over the Eastern Mediterranean has seen increased traffic volumes during the current summer season. Factors contributing to this uptick include the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, which has resulted in some flights being redirected. However, the department clarified that the heightened volume of air traffic should not be misconstrued as indicative of delays at air traffic control.
Israel Hayom reported that the Eastern Mediterranean airspace was operating at near capacity, with record numbers of flights—up to 37,000 daily—being recorded in recent days. The newspaper attributed the increased pressure on the airspace to security concerns stemming from the regional crisis, suggesting that passengers have been facing longer wait times.
The Civil Aviation Department's statement serves to reassure travelers and stakeholders that while air traffic in the region has surged, Cyprus is managing its airspace effectively and is not a source of the delays reported by some media outlets.