Only a settlement to the Cyprus problem could address the challenges and risks to Nicosia Flight Information Region (FIR) resulting from the operation of the illegal airport Ercan, in Cyprus` northern Turkish occupied areas, and its unauthorised air control centre (ACC), the Mediterranean Flight Safety Foundation (FSF-MED) said in a press release.
“These challenges are the result of the illegal Ercan airport, the ACC and the well-known Turkish positions and actions, which violate international and European law and particularly the International Organisation for Civil Aviation Convention,” FSF-MED points out.
The Foundation recalls that dangers to aviation safety have been pointed out by the Cyprus government as well as by the EU. According to FSF-MED, Nicosia FIR manages 380,000 flights annually.
“It is estimated that these dangers will be realistically removed if a Cyprus settlement is reached provided that international and European laws will be implemented and the so-called cooperation protocols between Turkey and the occupation regime will be terminated,” the FSF MED added.
Furthermore, the Foundation welcomed the reduction of aviation accidents during 2016, despite the increase in flights worldwide.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third. Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci have been engaged in UN-backed talks since May 2015 with a view to reunite the island under a federal roof.