Summary of capacity performance
Cyprus experienced an increase in traffic from 344k flights in 2022, with practically zero ATFM delays, to 402k flights in 2023 with 15k minutes of en- route ATFM delay. For reference, in 2019, Cyprus handled 411k flights but had 485k minutes of en-route ATFM delays.
NSA’s assessment of capacity performance
Cyprus is in a turbulant region of the world, where geopolitical changes are frequent and, often, dramatic. For this reason, air traffic volatility is very high and traffic demand estimates (hence, ATM performance) can vary as a result of external factors. These factors are beyond the control of the ANSP and the State in general. Furthermore, geopolitical changes can significantly alter the air traffic flows, creating new hotspots and signigificant capacity constraints. As an example, the continuation of the Russia - Ukraine conflict has removed a significant traffic flow (and associated revenue) to and from Cyprus. Furthermore, the conflict between Israel and Hamas has also negatively affected the traffic demand towards the end of 2023. Finally, the categorisation, by EASA, of the Syrian airspace as “conflict zone” has eliminated traffic flows in the north-eastern part of Nicosia FIR. These flows were diverted to the south, saturating the west and south sectors of Nicosia ACC.
Capactity performance in 2023 was very good and the relevant targets were acheived. However, air traffic demand in 2023 was still lower than the 2019 levels. In this respect, the 2023 results cannot be considered as an accurate indication of future trends.
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 in consultation with the Network Manager. The results are consistent with the required performance.
Application of Corrective Measures for Capacity (if applicable)
Not applicable.
Additional Comments about Capacity
During the period of the transfer to the new ACC, which is delayed and planned in late 2024 to mid 2025, traffic delays are expected, 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 as not to absorb HR from the actual ops at the new ACC.
The ATSP has implemented (in mid 2022) a new ATC sector at Larnaca Airport (an extension of the ACC main ATM system) for providing Approach Control Service with surveillance (APS). This new ATC sector is operating with ATCOs working on an overtime basis. In RP4, the ATSP shall proceed with new ATCOs recruitments.
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 has just began. Nevertheless, the NM has confirmed that this new service will have significant net capacity benefits in the longer term.
Additional Information Related to Russia’s War of Aggression Against Ukraine
The Russia - Ukraine conflicts as well as the Israel - Hamas conflicts have removed a significant traffic flow (and associated revenue) to and from Cyprus.
The categorisation, by EASA, of the Syrian airspace as “conflict zone” has eliminated traffic flows in the north-eastern part of Nicosia FIR. These flows were diverted to the south, saturating the west and south sectors of Nicosia ACC and causing delays.
Cyprus has no control of this situation. However, it maintains a constant cooperation with the NM to mitigate its impacts.
En route Capacity Incentive Scheme
According to the incentive scheme defined in the monitoring report, the ANSP is due a bonus of 471,380 €.