Members of the Cypriot Parliament’s Defence and Transport Committees were told on 17 September that the country’s air-traffic-control (ATC) system is operating with just 90 licensed controllers against an authorised complement of 140. Union representatives from PASEEK described the deficit as a ‘structural vulnerability’ that could compromise safety in the Nicosia Flight Information Region (FIR), a busy corridor that also contends with frequent incursions by Turkish military aircraft. Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas and Transport Minister Eva Tsolaki confirmed that 15 new controller positions are in the recruitment pipeline, but acknowledged that training cycles mean relief will come only gradually. Lawmakers also revisited a long-stalled proposal to spin off ATC services into a state-owned air-navigation company, a step unions say would accelerate hiring and modernisation by allowing more flexible employment terms. The shortfall has operational consequences for airlines and business-aviation operators. Approach-radar services at Larnaca and Paphos cannot yet function 24/7, increasing the risk of delays during evening peaks and in adverse weather. PASEEK warned that without additional hires Cyprus could face capacity caps or slot rationing as early as summer 2027—an unwelcome prospect for tourism and for multinationals that use the island as a regional hub. For corporate mobility managers, the issue adds another layer of uncertainty when routing staff through Cyprus. Companies should monitor NOTAMs for possible flow-control measures and factor in wider connection windows at European hubs. The government, for its part, pledged to present a roadmap for staffing and technology upgrades before the 2027 season; industry stakeholders are urging that the plan include clear milestones and transparency around funding.
Source: KNews – Kathimerini Cyprus
