Tag: airspace

  • Cyprus flights: Flights to Cyprus Disrupted as Greece Closes Airspace Over Technical Issues

    Cyprus flights: Flights to Cyprus Disrupted as Greece Closes Airspace Over Technical Issues

    cyprus flights — cyprus flights — Flights to and from Cyprus were significantly disrupted after Greece closed its airspace on Sunday due to a technical problem with radio frequencies. This closure, described by Greek authorities, had immediate repercussions for numerous flights between the two countries.

    • As of now, passengers planning to travel to or from Cyprus are urged to stay informed about their flight status and the ongoing developments regarding airspace safety.

    Cyprus flights: Immediate Effects on Travel

    The Cypriot transport ministry confirmed that the airspace closure impacted not only direct flights between Cyprus and Greece but also those flights heading to or from Cyprus that were scheduled to fly over Greek airspace. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for updates before heading to airports.

    Timeline of Events

    The issue began shortly before 10am on Sunday when the Greek civil aviation authority issued a directive to halt all flights in Greek airspace. Reports suggest that the technical difficulties were related to communications between aircraft and control towers, which are crucial for safe air travel.

    Flight Diversions and Limitations

    According to Euronews, as the situation unfolded, aircraft headed for Greek airports were ordered to divert, with many rerouted to neighbouring Turkey. As the afternoon progressed, the Greek civil aviation authority reported that a limited number of flights were starting to take off and land at airports across Greece, but the overall volume of air traffic remained restricted.

    Investigation Underway

    Authorities stated that the problem is currently under investigation in collaboration with external experts. The situation highlights the importance of reliable communication systems in aviation, as even minor technical issues can lead to widespread travel disruptions.

    As of now, passengers planning to travel to or from Cyprus are urged to stay informed about their flight status and the ongoing developments regarding airspace safety.

  • Concerns Mount Over US Warplane Activity in Cypriot Airspace

    Concerns Mount Over US Warplane Activity in Cypriot Airspace

    us warplane — Concerns have been raised regarding the ‘unusual movements’ of a US warplane in Cypriot airspace. The aircraft, a Boeing C-17 belonging to the United States Air Force, was observed taking off from Paphos airport on Tuesday, shortly before landing at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport less than an hour later.

    A coalition of non-governmental organisations in Cyprus, including activist group Afoa and pro-Palestine entities such as BDS Cyprus, Genocide-Free Cyprus, and United for Palestine Cyprus, has alleged that the island is being used as a stopover point for transporting unknown cargo and personnel from the US Al Udeid airbase in Qatar to Israel.

    The aircraft has been seen making multiple trips between Al Udeid and Israel, with its transponder turned off on several occasions. This has left observers unable to track its exact location, raising suspicions about its operations. One such incident led the organisations to question whether the plane actually landed in Paphos or diverted to the nearby Mari naval base, although this is deemed unlikely as the C-17 cannot land at Mari.

    After reappearing on radar an hour later, the C-17 was again recorded en route to Israel. Following its departure from Israel, flight data suggested the aircraft conducted what the groups referred to as a “phantom landing” in Cyprus. This tactic, they claim, involved flying at low altitude near an airport to create the illusion of landing, while actually maintaining a direct flight path between the US base and Israel.

    The organisations noted that the altitude readings of the C-17 never dropped to zero, further indicating that it did not land in Paphos but merely passed over the region. They expressed scepticism regarding the nature of the flights, asserting that they were “almost certainly not related to humanitarian aid.” They argued that a US military cargo aircraft would not undertake such clandestine journeys if its purpose were truly humanitarian.

    The cloak of secrecy surrounding the C-17’s movements has led these groups to conclude that military aid is being transported through Cypriot facilities. They contend that by allowing such flights and enabling operations from the island to assist the US and Israel, the Cypriot government has effectively compromised its sovereignty, transforming the island into an unwitting accomplice in alleged acts of violence.

    In their statement, they claimed, “by permitting such flights and enabling operations from the island to aid the US and Israel, the Cypriot government has effectively abdicated its sovereignty, turning the island into a silent accomplice in genocide.” This assertion adds a complex layer to the geopolitical dynamics involving Cyprus, the US, and Israel, as local organisations push for transparency and accountability regarding military operations in the region.