Israeli airlines have been ordered to divert all flights from Paphos International Airport to Larnaca following a security directive from Israel’s internal security service, Shin Bet, officials said yesterday.
The Israeli Embassy in Nicosia confirmed the temporary consolidation of Israeli airline flights to and from Cyprus at Larnaca airport, citing various security considerations.
The situation “will continue to be closely monitored and evaluated in full coordination with local authorities”, the embassy said in a statement.
Three Israeli carriers – El Al, Arkia and IsraAir – were instructed by Shin Bet to avoid flights to Paphos, according to Israel’s Channel 12 television, as reported by ERTNews.
Shin Bet told Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth that “the decision to concentrate flights to and from Cyprus at Larnaca Airport is based on various security assessments”.
A source familiar with the matter told philenews that security measures are frequently implemented by Israeli authorities for flights operating to and from Cyprus.
The source noted that Israeli flights typically operate with estimated arrival times rather than exact schedules at Cypriot airports.
El Al said it was “acting in accordance with the instructions of the relevant security services”, whilst Arkia stated it was “operating according to Shin Bet guidelines and our operations continue from Larnaca”.
Details regarding the specific security concerns that prompted the directive remain undisclosed.
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