Summary of capacity performance
Cyprus experienced an decrease in traffic from 402k flights in 2023, with 15k minutes of en route ATFM delays, to 379k flights in 2024 with 2k 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
Capacity performance in 2024 was satisfactory and the relevant targets were acheived. To some extend this is attributed to the “lower than anticipated” traffic demand. However, towards the end of 2024, traffic demand picked up significantly whilst delays remained close to zero. In this respect, the outlook for capacity performance in RP4 remains optimistic.
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 mandates the application of corrective measures (if needed).
Capacity planning
Capacity planning is done in consultation with the Network Manager. The results achieved are in accordance with the required performance.
Application of Corrective Measures for Capacity (if applicable)
During the period of the transfer to the new ACC, which began in late 2024 and was completed in early 2025, some traffic delays had been expected. However, those were of temporary nature and eventually were very minimal (almost zero). As the transfer was planned and executed during a low traffic period, the effect on the European Network was negligible. Efforts were made so that any activities related to the transfer e.g. shadowing operations, were planned with the aim of absorbing the minimal amount of HR and to allow, to the maximum degree possible, the continuous provision of ATC 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.
En route Capacity Incentive Scheme
DCAC Cyprus: According to the incentive scheme defined in the monitoring report, the ANSP is due a bonus of €502 448.
In accordance with Article 3(3)(a) of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1627: The incentive scheme shall cover only the calendar years 2022 to 2024.