Cyprus

Understaffing behind recent flight delays in Cyprus, union warns

By: SigmaLive English

Date:

Despite record-breaking flight numbers across the Nicosia FIR and Cyprus’ two international airports, flight delays in Cyprus are increasing due to serious understaffing, the Pancyprian Air Traffic Controllers Union (PASEEK) said in a statement.

While EUROCONTROL congratulated Cyprus for its performance, the union said shortages in the air traffic control department are causing operational strain. It stressed that around 50 new air traffic controllers are needed to replace upcoming retirements and fill additional management positions created by rising traffic levels.

“At present, we are still waiting for the first 15 positions to be announced, and there is no information on when the rest will follow,” PASEEK said.

Staffing delays affecting performance

According to the union, repeated requests from the Department of Civil Aviation to the Finance Ministry and the Department of Public Administration and Personnel to expedite approval of the new posts have gone unanswered, risking a negative impact on Cyprus’ flight management performance.

“Even if all posts were approved tomorrow, it would be impossible to train all new controllers simultaneously and assign them to control units,” PASEEK said, adding that “the damage has already been done.”

The union called on the Finance Ministry and the Department of Public Administration and Personnel to immediately approve all necessary positions so proper training schedules can be implemented and the expected understaffing reduced as much as possible.

Air traffic growth exceeds expectations

According to EUROCONTROL’s 2025–2031 forecast, both Greece and Cyprus have experienced higher-than-expected growth in air traffic, driven largely by increased routes to and from Israel.

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