Cyprus denies reports of suspicious object after Greek F-16s scrambled from Paphos

Nicosia, Cyprus. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis denied reports of a “suspicious object” in the skies above Lebanon after two Greek F-16 fighter jets stationed in Paphos were scrambled on Wednesday. He said protocols were activated and the aircraft operated in the area for a considerable time.

Spokesman’s comments on scramble and airspace

Letymbiotis said “all the required protocols were immediately activated” and that “two aircraft operated for a considerable time in the area,” without detailing what prompted the jets to take off. He also said Cypriot airspace “was never closed,” adding that authorities provided space for the operations of the two F-16s, resulting in two flights being held, with one returning to its original destination.

Passenger flight announcement

The pilot of Aegean Airlines flight 902 from Athens, which returned to its origin, informed passengers during the flight that “due to military reasons, the airspace above Larnaca is closed.”

Call between Cyprus and Lebanon presidents

Letymbiotis said President Nikos Christodoulides held a telephone conversation on Wednesday with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

What do you make of the differing accounts about whether airspace above Larnaca was closed?