Greek F-16s spotted over Larnaca: Defence Minister reassures residents

The appearance of military aircraft over the Kiti — Pervolia area on Thursday caused concern among local residents. Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus Vasilis Palmas said that they were routine flights by Greek F-16s and a French C-130 transport aircraft.

According to Palmas, the Greek F-16s were conducting flights in accordance with the current protocol from the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos. The minister said that the fighter jets were flying at low altitude along the Paphos — Troodos — Larnaca route as part of the activities предусмотренных протоколами.

As for the transport aircraft, Palmas clarified that the French C-130 had departed from Larnaca Airport as part of routine operations. Answering a question about violations of the airspace of the Republic of Cyprus, the minister noted that Turkish F-16s regularly violate the country's airspace.

He said that in each such case, the Republic of Cyprus sends the relevant diplomatic notes through the competent state authorities.