Hermes Airports has stated that all prescribed safety measures and procedures at Cyprus’ airports are being applied without deviation, in line with national and international regulatory standards, following a decision by the European Commission concerning aerodrome safety and oversight in Cyprus.
In a statement, the airport operator said it carries out systematic and rigorous inspections aimed at ensuring the highest level of operational safety at Larnaca and Paphos airports.
Referring to the package of decisions published by the European Commission, Hermes Airports clarified that the Airports Operations Manual, in force since 2006, has been aligned with all observations and amendments submitted over time and was filed with the competent authority in September 2024.
With regard to fire-fighting and rescue services at the airports, Hermes Airports noted that, under the Concession Agreement, the state has decided to retain responsibility for these services. As a result, the company, in its role as airport operator, does not exercise any control over these specific services.
Hermes Airports concluded by stating that any publications or references suggesting safety issues at Larnaca and Paphos airports “do not reflect reality”.
The statement comes one day after the European Commission announced that it had issued a reasoned opinion to Cyprus, calling on the country to address deficiencies in aerodrome safety and oversight implementation.
According to the Commission, Cyprus has failed to ensure, under Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 and Implementing Regulation (EU) No 923/2012, that the aerodrome operator of Larnaca and Paphos airports fully reflects all applicable EU requirements in their respective Aerodrome Manuals, including provisions related to rescue and fire-fighting services.
The Commission also expressed concerns over whether the Cyprus Department of Civil Aviation has sufficiently qualified staff across all required technical areas to effectively carry out its aerodrome-related oversight duties. These issues were identified during an inspection conducted by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency in 2020 and were subsequently raised in a letter of formal notice sent to Cyprus on 16 November 2023.
As the issues highlighted by the Commission remain unresolved, Cyprus has now been given two months to respond and take the necessary measures. Failing this, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.