Rising tensions in the Middle East have also affected air traffic. It has been reported that numerous Israeli passenger planes have landed in the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCAC) for security reasons.
According to reports in the Greek Cypriot press, Israeli passenger planes departing from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, fearing possible retaliation from Iran, were diverted to Larnaca and Paphos airports. With this unusual surge in flight traffic, the number of Israeli planes landing in the GCAC has reportedly approached 50.
Planes Unable to Fly to Tel Aviv Diverted to GCAC
Reports also state that some planes taking off from various countries intending to fly to Israel were diverted to Southern Cyprus as an alternative since they were not granted landing permission in Tel Aviv.
Security forces in the GCAC have raised security measures to the highest level at both airports. It has been shared that the majority of incoming planes belong to Israel’s national airline, El Al, and that planes were parked in empty areas to avoid disrupting existing air traffic.
Commercial Flights Temporarily Suspended
Due to increasing regional tensions, reciprocal commercial flights between Israel and the GCAC have been temporarily suspended. While no official statement has yet been made by GCAC authorities regarding the matter, the situation of air traffic in the region is being closely monitored internationally.
