Nicosia, Cyprus. A notice to airmen has been issued warning of possible military operations in the skies off the coast of Cyprus’ Karpas peninsula. Pilots flying through the area have been urged to exercise caution and maintain radio contact with Cypriot air traffic controllers.
Notam details and guidance for pilots
The warning states that there will be “possible military operations” in the skies off the coast of the peninsula. It urges pilots to “exercise caution, monitor the emergency frequency, and maintain continuous radio contact” with Cypriot air traffic controllers in the area.
The latest iteration of the Notam makes no reference to the United States, though earlier iterations stated it was the US military which may be conducting activities in the area.
A Notam is a notice containing information which is essential for personnel concerned with flight operations.
Regional military activity and conflict context
The Notam was issued amid heightened military activity in the eastern Mediterranean in recent weeks in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with it believed that the American aircraft carrier the USS George HW Bush is in the region.
Turkey’s defence ministry announced last Friday that Nato air and missile assets located in the region downed a third ballistic missile launched from Iran.
Earlier, intelligence and diplomatic sources in both Turkey and Cyprus confirmed to the Cyprus Mail that the first missile intercepted in Turkish airspace, fired on March 4, had been aimed at the Incirlik airbase.
The base is jointly operated by the Turkish air force and that of the United States, and is located in Turkey’s southeastern Adana province.
Nato deployments in the eastern Mediterranean
In addition to US machinery, an array of Nato military assets have amassed in the eastern Mediterranean since the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East at the beginning of the month.
France and Greece both deployed frigates to the eastern Mediterranean after Cyprus’ British Akrotiri air force base was hit by an Iranian-made drone on March 2. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described one of the two frigates he sent, the Kimon, as the “pride of the Greek fleet”.
What precautions will you take if your flight route passes through the area covered by the Notam?
