FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Military transport aircraft have arrived at Andreas Papandreou Air Base and Larnaca Airport to facilitate the evacuation of civilians from conflict zones, according to the Cyprus Ministry of Defense.
Following the activation of Operation Estia, allied nations requested logistical support, including the use of Cypriot airfields as transit hubs, the ministry said.
According to Defense Ministry Spokesperson Lt. Col. Christos Pieris, quoted by ANT TV, the transport planes are being used to evacuate civilians from areas affected by ongoing hostilities.
While he did not disclose the exact number of aircraft involved, Pieris confirmed that a small number are stationed at both locations to assist with humanitarian transport efforts.
Pieris noted that similar procedures were implemented during previous crises, including the conflicts in Sudan and Lebanon.
Speaking to CyBC, Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas emphasized that the aircraft are not combat jets but military transport planes. “These are not fighter jets,” he said. “They belong to the Air Force but are here solely for evacuation purposes—whether for military personnel, American citizens, or nationals from other countries.”
Cyprus, due to its strategic location, serves as a crucial transit point for nations seeking to evacuate people from conflict zones, Pieris explained. He stressed that this effort is primarily humanitarian rather than military in nature.
The Defense Ministry continues to monitor the situation for a sixth consecutive day and is implementing all necessary emergency measures to ensure security.