Expansion works at Paphos International Airport have entered full development phase, whilst discussions continue regarding the construction of a new road to serve the facility.
The United States has formally proposed the creation of a second road access route to the airport, citing emergency access requirements related to the Andreas Papandreou air base.
The airport expansion with the expected permanent increase in passenger traffic is considered a given by the province’s stakeholders that it cannot be supported by the existing road, which meets 1960s specifications, and that a road connecting the unit with Paphos and the tourist areas of Kato Paphos and Coral Bay cannot be an independent variable from the airport expansions.
US cites emergency access needs for air base operations
This follows Phileleftheros’s revelation months ago that the issue of creating new road access to Paphos International Airport was officially placed on the table by the Americans in relation to the facilities they receive and the upgrade they are studying for the Andreas Papandreou air base.
Specifically, following a recommendation from the United States, the creation of a second road has been placed on the table, which will function as an alternative access route in case of emergency.
This marks the first time national security reasons have been officially invoked with the aim of overcoming the environmental concerns that have blocked the construction of a road through the Ezousas River estuary, within the Natura 2000 network area Special Protection Zone (SPA) Estuaries of Ezousas, Xeros and Diarizos Rivers.
According to Phileleftheros’s information, the Ministry of Defence, following the US recommendation, proceeded with a series of contacts with all involved stakeholders, informing them about the new approach and the state’s position.
The Ministry of Defence is now expected to submit a formal proposal to the Cabinet so that the relevant procedures can proceed.
Ministry of Defence to submit formal proposal to Cabinet
The United States, which has expressed particular interest in upgrading the Andreas Papandreou air base, considers the existence of a second road corridor a key element of operational adequacy and security.
The planning includes, among other things, the utilisation of neighbouring land, as well as infrastructure projects that will enhance interoperability with the US and their European partners.
It is worth noting that the relevant recommendation was made by the 435th Contingency Response Group of the US Air Force, based in Germany.
This specific team has already conducted two visits to Cyprus, proceeding with an inspection of the air base and formulating specific technical and operational proposals.
The Ministry of Defence, in coordination with military experts from the US, is expected to submit a specific proposal to the Cabinet.
The project is expected to be integrated into a new dual-use infrastructure strategy (military and civil), with the invocation of national security reasons now transforming the decision-making framework.
