Cyprus unveiled an ambitious aviation strategy during an event held on Thursday by the Mediterranean Flight Safety Foundation (FSF-MED) in Nicosia.

At the event, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades outlined plans to enhance aviation safety, improve connectivity, and promote regional cooperation.

“We understand that the challenges of tomorrow require innovation, cooperation, and insight, and we are determined to tackle these challenges head-on,” Vafeades said.  

Furthermore, he outlined the Ministry’s goals to develop safe, sustainable aviation, improve connectivity, and enhance airport services, aligning with Cyprus’ geographical position. 

The ministry is partnering with Hermes Airports to reinforce the aviation sector and boost tourism.

This, he continued, will be achieved by enhancing airport infrastructure, improving passenger services, and ensuring seamless connectivity.

He added that all of these measures are aimed at attracting more visitors and supporting Cyprus’ reputation as a premier tourist destination.

Vafeades made note of Cyprus’ unique status as a member of both the European Union and Eurocontrol.

“Cyprus has the potential to play a leading role in promoting regional cooperation and facilitating aviation’s contribution to economic prosperity and political stability,” he said.

He emphasised efforts to upgrade air navigation infrastructure, ensuring Cyprus remains competitive among European nations.  

Vafeades praised aviation professionals for managing increasing traffic in the Nicosia flight information region (FIR) despite challenges from regional military operations and shifting traffic flows. 

Addressing geopolitical issues, Vafeades raised concerns about Turkey’s refusal to coordinate air traffic with the air control centre in Nicosia, warning that this poses significant risks to aviation safety and disrupts efficient traffic management in the region.  

He announced plans to establish an independent state-owned company to manage air navigation services, aiming to improve standards and address future technological needs.

“This project is in its final stages, and we hope the new company will soon be operational,” he said.

The Cyprus department of civil aviation is also being restructured to become a financially independent and autonomous authority.

“The government has supported FSF-MED since its inception and will continue to do so, recognising the crucial role non-governmental organisations play in advancing aviation and flight safety,” Vafeades added.

Meanwhile, FSF-MED director Christos Petrou emphasised the need for collaboration.

“Much can be achieved with resilience, perseverance, clear objectives, and an integrated national aviation strategy covering all aspects of aviation,” he stated.

He flagged risks in the northern Nicosia FIR due to Turkey’s refusal to cooperate with air control centre in Nicosia and International C|ivil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulation breaches.  

“These risks are recognised by European and international organisations, but tangible action to address them remains absent,” he said. 

Petrou stressed the economic significance of aviation, noting that in 2023, 52 million flights carried 5.3 billion passengers, generating $1.3 trillion in revenue and employing 90 million people.

He pointed out aviation’s vital role for island economies like Cyprus, where tourism is a key driver.

He also said that “approximately 3,000 people from Cyprus and other countries participated in these conferences, while in some cases, the conclusions and recommendations of these events were circulated as official documents to ICAO and other international bodies.” 

FSF-MED has organised 34 international conferences and seminars on topics ranging from crisis management and airport security to drones, with outcomes including official ICAO documents and practical recommendations for improving aviation safety and efficiency.  

The foundation also runs programmes for individuals with aerophobia and autistic children, demonstrating its commitment to inclusion. 

On regional cooperation, Petrou pointed to proposals for strengthening ties between the South-Eastern Mediterranean and the European Union.  

These efforts, backed by international bodies, led to the establishment of the European Association of Aviation Training Organisations (EATEO) in Cyprus. 

Major General Karsten Stoye is Head of the Civil-Military Cooperation Division at EUROCONTROL and Military Advisor to the Director General, discussed the impact of military conflicts on aviation.  

“Military conflicts have far-reaching impacts on aviation,” he said, forecasting a 50 per cent increase in air traffic by 2050.  

“In Europe, we share the same sky, with no zones permanently reserved for military use,” he added, stressing the need for collaboration between military and civilian flights. 

On Ukraine, Stoye said, “We continue to support Ukraine, doing everything possible to ensure aviation can restart safely when conditions allow.”  

“Disruptions from Middle East conflicts, have also affected air traffic routes in the EUROCONTROL area, including Cyprus”, Stoye concluded.