Increased frequency of fighter jet activity over Cyprus

On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, residents across Nicosia reported sightings and the sound of Turkish F-16 fighter jets flying over the capital. The aircraft reportedly took off from the airport in Tymbou, navigated toward the Pentadaktylos range, and returned to their base. Similar reports of aerial activity have surfaced in other districts, including Larnaca, though authorities note that sightings in that region are often misidentified, with some being linked to legitimate Greek military exercises.

The recent surge in activity follows the deployment of six Turkish F-16 jets to the occupied northern territories on March 9, 2026, a move executed in response to Greece stationing four F-16s at the Andreas Papandreou air base in Paphos on March 2. The Cypriot Ministry of Defence confirmed an intensification of flights within the Nicosia Flight Information Region. Further confusion among the public was clarified by Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas, who confirmed that Greek F-16s and a French C-130 transport aircraft were conducting scheduled flights from Paphos and Larnaca respectively, adhering to official military protocols.

While the Ministry of Defence treats Turkish flight activity within the Nicosia FIR as a frequent occurrence, the heightened frequency has triggered significant public concern and increased scrutiny of the airspace surrounding the Green Line.