Greek F-16s and a French C-130 transport aircraft were spotted over the Kiti-Pervolia area on Thursday, causing concern among residents, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas told the Cyprus News Agency.
The Cyprus News Agency contacted the Defence Minister following reports from residents about fighter jets and a transport aircraft flying over the area.
Palmas said the fighter jets were Greek F-16s operating under the relevant protocol, with flights originating from the “Andreas Papandreou” Air Base in Paphos.
F-16s flying along Paphos-Larnaca route
According to the Defence Minister, the fighter jets were conducting low-level flights along the Paphos-Troodos-Larnaca route as part of activities provided for under the relevant protocols.
As for the transport aircraft, Palmas said a French C-130 had departed from Larnaca Airport as part of routine activity.
Minister confirms Turkish F-16 violations
Asked whether violations of the Republic of Cyprus’ airspace are being recorded more generally, Palmas said it was well known that Turkish F-16s frequently violate the country’s airspace.
He added that whenever such violations are recorded, the Republic of Cyprus takes the appropriate diplomatic steps through the competent state authorities.
Also read: Turkish F-16s increasingly spotted over Nicosia
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