Photo: 123rf Security developments in the Middle East and Europe continue to pose significant challenges to the civil aviation sector. Cyprus’ Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Evie Tsolaki, today (Friday, November 6) addressed the sector's growing risks, primarily airspace closures, route changes, and disruptions to navigation systems.
The remarks were made at the Flight Safety Foundation - Southeast Europe - Cyprus international conference, taking place today at the Cleopatra Hotel in Nicosia, under the title "Regional Conflicts and Aviation Safety: Building Aviation Resilience in Europe and the Middle East."
The conference is attended by representatives of aviation authorities, airlines, airports, international organizations and flight safety professionals. Among the participants is Kobi Sussman, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in Israel.
The conference is taking place against a backdrop of geopolitical developments that require airlines and aviation authorities to conduct ongoing risk assessments and adapt their activities to a changing security reality.
In her speech, Tsolaki emphasized Cyprus's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and the resulting responsibility for safely managing air traffic in the region.
According to her, regional developments directly affect civil aviation, even when they occur outside the country's borders.
She mentioned consequences such as airspace closures or restrictions, changes to planned flight paths, increased pressure on air traffic management services, and disruptions to navigation systems.
Some of these challenges stem from military activity in the region and the need for close coordination between civil and military aviation systems.
For airlines, changes in airspace may mean adjusting flight routes, increasing flight distances, and preparing for changes in arrival times, fuel consumption, and activity planning.
However, the minister did not announce a new airspace closure in Cyprus, nor did she report any specific disruption currently affecting Larnaca or Paphos airports.
One of the main issues raised by the Minister of Transport was the activities of the European Aviation Safety Agency, EASA.
According to her, in 2026, the European Agency repeatedly issued safety notices about flying in conflict zones and updated them as developments changed.
These messages, known as Conflict Zone Information Bulletins, convey information and safety recommendations to air operators about the risks of flying in airspace affected by conflicts.
The minister noted that the frequency of updates shows how quickly operating conditions can change and the need for constant vigilance, up-to-date information, and coordinated action by all parties involved.
This reality poses a special challenge to airlines operating routes between Europe and the Middle East, which are required to adapt their operations to safety alerts and airspace restrictions.
Alongside Kobi Sussman, the conference was also attended by Shmuel Zakay, Director of the Civil Airports Authority, and Kobi Sussman, both of whom participated in panels and gave speeches.
Zakay's participation comes at a time when aviation safety, risk management in conflict zones, and maintaining the continuity of air activity are particularly relevant to the Israeli aviation market.
IATA is the international organization that represents hundreds of airlines around the world, and works, among other things, to promote operational and safety standards, coordinate between industry stakeholders, and develop common procedures.
The issues discussed at the conference, ranging from assessing security risks to coordination between civil and military aviation agencies, also concern airlines operating flights to and from Israel.
The conference provides a professional framework for the exchange of knowledge and experience between industry representatives from the countries of the region, at a time when airlines are required to respond quickly to security changes and adjust their operating plans.
The message from the Cypriot government: Flight safety is not subject to compromise
In her speech, Tsolaki emphasized that aviation safety is the Cypriot government's top priority.
According to her, government policy focuses on upgrading aviation systems and strengthening the operational readiness of the entities responsible for air traffic management.
The minister emphasized that safe airspace management requires reliable systems, employees with appropriate professional training, and effective cooperation among all parties.
She particularly referred to the importance of coordination between civilian and military systems, based on clear procedures, mutual trust, and the ability to respond quickly to exceptional situations.
In accordance with the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and European Union rules, the Minister emphasized that absolute priority must be given to civil aviation safety in all activities taking place in the airspace of Cyprus.
One of the key messages in the speech dealt with the need to translate safety plans into practical preparations.
Tsolaki emphasized that aviation resilience is built not through plans alone, but through continuous preparation, training, periodic testing of emergency procedures, and practice for unexpected situations.
According to her, cooperation between aviation authorities, regulatory bodies, airlines, airports, and international organizations is essential to maintaining operational continuity and a high level of safety.
The Minister expressed appreciation to the operational and technical employees of the Cypriot aviation system, who are responsible for safely managing air traffic even in complex and changing conditions.
She added that the Ministry of Transport and the Cyprus Civil Aviation Authority will continue to invest in upgrading systems, developing procedures, and training professional personnel.
The conference is being held at the initiative of the Flight Safety Foundation – Southeast Europe – Cyprus, an organization that has worked since 2008 to promote aviation safety and strengthen cooperation among industry stakeholders in Southeast Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.
Over the years, the organization has held professional conferences, training courses, and meetings between regulatory authorities, aviation operators, control bodies, and international experts.
The organization has ongoing cooperation with the Cypriot Ministry of Transport and works to promote knowledge exchange, professional training, and improved safety procedures.
In her speech, the Minister of Transportation also referred to the foundation's activities and praised its contribution to promoting a culture of safety and regional cooperation.
During the conference, the Cypriot Member of the European Parliament, Costas Mavrides, is expected to receive a certificate of appreciation from the foundation for his contribution to promoting aviation safety.
The discussions in Nicosia illustrate the complexity of international aviation today, especially in the region connecting Europe and the Middle East.
Airspace closures, security restrictions and potential disruptions to navigation systems are not just local challenges. They can affect flight network planning, travel times, airline operations and their ability to provide continuous service to passengers.
The message from the Cypriot Minister of Transport is that risk management requires joint preparation by all parties, with ongoing investment in technology, training, and operational coordination.
For Cyprus, Israel, and the region, this remains an ongoing priority, as flight safety and the continuity of air connectivity face significant challenges.