EU reprimands Cyprus for inadequate airport security
EU reprimands Cyprus for inadequate airport security
The European Commission has once again criticised Cyprus for serious deficiencies in airport security and the supervision of civil aviation. In a reasoned statement sent on Thursday, Brussels accuses the Republic of Cyprus of not properly implementing key EU security requirements at Larnaca and Paphos airports.
Deficiencies in airport manuals and emergency services
According to the Commission, the airport operator does not fully comply with the applicable EU requirements, in particular in the following areas:
- Safety and surveillance procedures
- Documentation requirements in airport manuals
- Emergency and fire rescue services
These shortcomings have already been2020 by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and criticised again in the formal notification letter of 16 November 2023. Since Cyprus has made insufficient improvements since then, the EU is now taking the next step in the infringement procedure.
Cyprus has two months to take a position and remedy the objections. Otherwise, there is a risk of a lawsuit before the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
Doubts about the performance of the aviation authority
Another point of criticism concerns the civil aviation authority of Cyprus. The Commission questions whether there are enough qualified specialists to reliably monitor safety standards.
The structural understaffing of Cypriot authorities has been known for years and has been criticized several times in connection with the surveillance of airspace and infrastructure.
Israeli airlines already had safety concerns
The debate is not new: As early as January, several Israeli airlines – including El Al and Arkia – temporarily suspended their flights to and from Paphos.
The reason was security concerns expressed by the Israeli intelligence service Shin Bet. Details were not made public, but it became known that:
The reason was security concerns expressed by the Israeli intelligence service Shin Bet. Details were not made public, but it became known that:
- an Israeli patrol boat was stationed next to the runway in Larnaca,armed
- security forces additionally secured the area,the
- Israeli government demanded increased measures at both airports.
However, due to a lack of Israeli personnel available, Paphos Airport was temporarily avoided. Flights were not resumed until the summer.
Israel is considered one of the countries in the world with the strictest safety protocols in air traffic. The state-owned airline El Al is known, among other things, for equipping civilian aircraft with missile defense systems. Each of the airline's pilots was previously a fighter pilot in the Israeli Air Force.
How serious is the situation for Cyprus?
The renewed criticism from Brussels shows that:
- security standards at Cypriot airports have structural problems,supervisory
- institutions suffer from staff shortages and overload,international
- partners – especially Israel – do not fully trust Cypriot security protocols.
For the Republic of Cyprus, this means significant pressure, as airports are a critical part of the national infrastructure and the country is highly dependent on air transport. ECJ proceedings could not only cause financial damage, but also undermine international trust.
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Author: MF editorial team
Sources (selection)
- European Commission – Infringement proceedings December 2024
- EASA inspection reports 2020 (safety oversight)
- Cyprus Mail, article from 11.12.2025
- Times of Israel, Report on safety concerns of Israeli airlines (January 2024)
- Background information from the Israeli Ministry of Aviation on El Al and Security protocols
