It was reported that the recent missile strikes by Iran were visible from various coastal regions of Cyprus, including Iskele.
Speaking on the “Midday” programme on Kanal Sim, Cem Kapısız, the head of the Air Traffic Controllers Union, addressed Serkan Soyalan’s questions. He stressed that last night’s airstrike, which was also visible from Cyprus, did not cause any disruptions to air traffic.
Kapısız explained that due to the status of North Cyprus, only Turkish planes fly into the country. “Because of our status, we weren’t directly affected. However, we have a route that passes through eastern Cyprus, and things get tricky when tensions rise. Two air routes merge into one on that route, and usage of it has been drastically reduced”, he said. With the eastern route minimised, all air traffic has shifted westward toward Güzelyurt. This has led to a decrease in efficiency on that path and some delays in air traffic.
*When Cem Kapısız referred to two flight paths merging he was describing a situation in which two flight paths that pass through eastern Cyprus come together into a single route. This happens near the eastern part of the island, and in times of heightened tension, such as during military activity in the Middle East, the use of this airspace is restricted or minimised. As a result, air traffic that would normally use this route has to be rerouted, leading to congestion on other paths, specifically those to the west, near Güzelyurt. This can cause delays and decreases the efficiency of the air traffic system in that region.
Additionally, the British base in Akrotiri played a significant role in defence operations during these events, contributing to the overall military activity in the region. [LGC News Ed.]
“Geçitkale may always be an option”
Kapısız noted that the conflict in the Middle East is intensifying and pointed out that Geçitkale Airport, which is under military control, is used for surveillance missions by unarmed aircraft. If Turkey gets involved in the growing regional tensions, Geçitkale could be put into use, he said. “This possibility always exists. When we think about our island’s division and current political rhetoric, which is leaning towards war, could the involvement of Cyprus in a Middle East conflict give its other guarantors the right to intervene to stop it?” he asked.
