Summary of capacity performance
Cyprus experienced an increase in traffic from 164k flights in 2020 to 252k flights in 2021, with practically zero ATFM delay. However, traffic levels were still substantially below the 411k flights in 2019.
NSA’s assessment of capacity performance
A historical drop of air traffic demand has been recorded due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak and the severe air travel restrictions imposed by the State in an effort to contain the pandemic (mid-March 2020). As a result, the average en-route delay per flight in 2021 was zero (0.0min), even though the air traffic demand increased significantly compared to the previous year (2020).
Monitoring process for capacity performance
The NSA has in place the “NSA procedure for the monitoring of ANS Performance”. According to this procedure, the NSA monitors at quarterly intervals the average minutes of enroute ATFM (Air Traffic Flow Management) delay per flight. Based on this, the NSA analyzes the trends and takes the necessary measures, if needed.
Capacity planning
Capacity planning is done with the Network Manager and is consistent with the required performance.
Application of Corrective Measures for Capacity (if applicable)
The monitoring report contains the following information about the new air traffic control centre:
The transfer to the new ACC which is planned in late 2022 to mid 2023 is expected to be the source of air traffic delays, which however will be of temporary nature. As the tranfer will be done during a low traffic period the effect on the European Network is not expected to be significant. Efforts will be made so that any operation related to the transfer i.e. shadowing operations will be kept to the absolute minimum level so not to absorb HR from the actual ops at the new ACC.
The ATSp has recenlty implemented a new ATC sector at Larnaca Airport (an extension of the ACC main ATM system) with the prospect of providing Approach Control Service with surveillance (APS) by the end of RP3. This new ATC sector will absorb some human resources from the “core” en-route services, which will average between 5-8 FTE towards the end of RP3. To mitigate this, the ATSp has recently (in December 2021) agreed with the Unions some new working arrangements which will allow current ATC Tower ATCOs to continue their carreer by staying at Larnaca Airport and operating this new service. An effort to modify the ATCO employment contract (the, so called, “scheme of services”) is ongoing. The aim of the modification will be to significantly reduce the period between recruitment and assuming operational duties. In any case, the recruitment plan for new ATCOs will continue to be implemented so that the en-route service will continue to be provided without significant capacity constraints.
In conclusion, some air traffic delays may be attributed to these restructuring developments and the operation of the new ATC sector. The precise impact cannot be estimated at the moment since the service will begin in mid-2023 and will be provided in a limited manner. Nevertheless, the NM has confirmed that this new service will have significant net capacity benefits in the longer term.