Flight Delays in Cyprus Due to Staff Shortages – Research Reveals

The Pancyprian Air Traffic Controllers Association (PASEEK) reports that despite the increase in flights in the Nicosia FIR and at Cyprus's two international airports, delays are occurring due to severe staff shortages.

According to PASEEK, fifty new air traffic controllers are needed for smooth operation to replace retirements and staff additional positions due to increased traffic. "We are still waiting for the first fifteen to be announced, without knowing when the rest will be promoted," the association emphasizes.

PASEEK points out that the delay in approving new positions by the Ministry of Finance (ΥΠΟΙΚ) and the Department of Public Administration and Personnel (ΤΔΔΠ) will negatively affect Cyprus's performance in flight management. Even if all positions are approved immediately, simultaneous training of new controllers is impossible.

The association calls on the ΥΠΟΙΚ and ΤΔΔΠ to approve all required new positions to properly plan training and reduce understaffing.

Based on the EUROCONTROL Forecast 2025-2031, Greece and Cyprus showed greater growth than expected due to the recovery of traffic to Israel.