The Cyprus Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) has issued NOTAM A0996/26 activating a Temporary Segregated Area (TSA) over Dhekelia from surface level up to 1,500 ft AMSL on multiple dates between 5 and 22 October. The airspace closure is in force daily from 04:30 to 12:00 local time on 5-8, 13-15, and 19-22 October, and from 04:30 to 09:30 on 2, 9, 16 and 23 October. The TSA lies just east of Larnaca airport’s approach corridor. While commercial schedules are unaffected, business-jet operators and helicopter charters conducting sightseeing or crew-change flights may face rerouting and minor slot delays. Cypriot air-navigation services (ANS) told Global Mobility News that tactical coordination with ATC will be available, but pilots should file flight plans at least six hours in advance and expect vectors around the restricted area. The restrictions support a joint UK-Cyprus military exercise around the British Sovereign Base Area (SBA). Similar drills last year generated ten-minute holding delays for peak-hour biz-av arrivals. Operators heading to Ayia Napa or Limassol marinas for yacht crew rotation should brief passengers accordingly and build buffer time into onward road or ferry transfers. Travel-risk managers should also note adjacent TSAs (Stavrovouni and Agios Modestos) activated on overlapping dates and altitudes up to 3,500 ft. While these are unlikely to disrupt scheduled carriers, rotor-wing operators working in the offshore energy sector should consult the latest NOTAM series A1072/26–A1074/26. JRCC will publish a de-activation bulletin once drills conclude. Until then, mobility planners should monitor the Nicosia FIR briefing pages and coordinate with ground handlers to secure early morning slots outside the 04:30–09:30 window.
Source: Cyprus JRCC NOTAM bulletin
