Turkish airspace activity and staffing shortages raise safety concerns in Nicosia FIR

The European Association of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCEUC) and the Cyprus Air Traffic Controllers' Association (CYATCA) have called for urgent international intervention following a serious near-miss incident on August 19, 2026. A Turkish military Airbus A400M entered the Nicosia Flight Information Region (FIR) without communication and deviated from its flight plan, forcing controllers to intervene to avoid a collision with a passenger Boeing 737. This event follows a recurring pattern of unauthorized Turkish military activity, including frequent drone flights that disrupt civilian air traffic operations at Larnaca and Paphos airports.

During a joint parliamentary session, CYATCA reported that air traffic control services are currently operating with only 90 out of 140 required staff positions filled, exacerbating risks. Both unions and government officials emphasized the necessity of creating a state-owned air navigation services company (CyANS) to modernize operations and align with European practices. The acting director of Civil Aviation, Haris Antoniades, noted that while technical upgrades are essential, the underlying geopolitical friction remains the primary barrier to resolving the issue. Parliament is now reviewing potential legislative actions to address both staffing shortages and the challenges posed by foreign airspace violations.