AOPA Cyprus expresses its strong concern and formal protest regarding the continued prohibition of VFR flights and, more broadly, local flying activities within the Republic of Cyprus.
While we acknowledge that precautionary measures may have been justified during the initial phase of the regional crisis, the prolonged maintenance of these restrictions, without sufficient justification and in the absence of any communication or dialogue with the General Aviation community, raises serious issues of proportionality, transparency, and good governance.
Of particular concern is the fact that, at the same time as the competent authorities publicly assert that Cyprus airspace is entirely safe and actively promote the country as a secure destination for tourism, they prohibit the very pilots of the Cypriot General Aviation community from exercising their flying activities. This contradiction cannot remain unaddressed.
The prolonged grounding:
- Undermines flight safety, as pilots lose operational proficiency (currency).
- Negatively affects the airworthiness of aircraft, which are not designed to remain inactive for extended periods.
- Causes significant financial damage to flight training organizations and aviation-related businesses, placing their viability at serious risk.
Furthermore, AOPA Cyprus notes that, over many years, the voice of General Aviation in Cyprus has not been adequately taken into account, in contrast with established European practices, where institutional cooperation between authorities and the aviation community is a fundamental pillar of safety and development.
The repeated reference to “full alignment with European standards” is not consistent with the reality experienced by the Cypriot aviation community.
AOPA Cyprus calls upon the competent authorities to:
- Proceed without delay to a reassessment of the current restrictions.
- Ensure proportionality and transparency in their decision-making.
- Restore meaningful and institutional dialogue with representatives of General Aviation.
General Aviation is not a luxury. It constitutes a critical sector for training, safety, professional activity, and economic development.
Finally, a fundamental and unavoidable question arises:
If the airspace of the Republic of Cyprus is indeed entirely safe, on what grounds is its use prohibited to the very pilots of General Aviation?
AOPA Cyprus will continue to act with responsibility, institutional integrity, and determination in pursuing the restoration of safety, reason, and proper governance within the General Aviation sector.