Flight Safety Foundation raises alarm over unauthorized Turkish military flights in Nicosia FIR

On August 24, 2026, the Flight Safety Foundation – Southeast Europe – Cyprus (FSF-SE-Europe-Cyprus) issued a formal condemnation regarding repeated incursions into the Nicosia Flight Information Region (FIR) by Turkish military aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These operations are conducted without mandatory coordination with air traffic control authorities, violating international standards for civil aviation safety.

The Foundation highlighted that these unauthorized flights frequently occur near critical air routes and the approach zones for Larnaca and Paphos airports. Such actions create significant operational risks and place undue pressure on air traffic controllers. The FSF-SE-Europe-Cyprus publicly expressed its full support for the professional staff at the Nicosia Area Control Centre and the airports, emphasizing that their expertise is essential for managing the increased risks caused by these consistent breaches of standard aviation protocols.