Cyprus is hosting military transport aircraft from friendly nations at two airports to facilitate civilian evacuations from conflict zones, the Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.
The aircraft are stationed at both Andreas Papandreou Air Base and Larnaca Airport following activation of the Estia Plan, which allows friendly countries to use Cyprus as a transit hub for evacuating populations from war zones.
Friendly countries have requested facilities to station or use the airports as a transit station, said Lieutenant Colonel Christos Pieris, Defence Ministry spokesperson. The aircraft are being used for the transport and evacuation of population from conflict areas.
A small number of military transport aircraft are currently stationed at both facilities for reinforcement and civilian transport purposes to enable evacuation from conflict zones, Pieris said, declining to provide specific numbers.
Cyprus previously operated under the same system during unrest in Sudan and Lebanon when the Estia Plan was implemented, Pieris noted.
Cyprus is in a very important geostrategic position that serves several countries so they can reach Cyprus from outside conflict zones and then reach their final destination, he explained.
The spokesperson emphasised that the operations are not related to military operations but mainly to humanitarian issues or assistance being provided.
Cyprus has been monitoring the situation for six days and is taking all necessary emergency measures for security, Pieris said.
(information from CNA)
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