The Republic of Cyprus is the sole sovereign authority under International Law with exclusive jurisdiction to determine which of its airports on its territory are open and functioning.
Visitors arriving in Cyprus by air, may enter the Republic of Cyprus only through the International Airports of Larnaka and Pafos. Entry via any other airport is illegal. The operation of airports built in the areas of Cyprus which are under Turkish military occupation since 1974, has never been authorised by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus.
These airports are, consequently, illegal points of entry into the Republic of Cyprus. The Republic of Cyprus maintains the right to impose penalties on those who violate the law by using illegal airports. The penalties are very strict and provide for imprisonment for no more than twelve months, or payment of a fine for no more than €1,700, or both.
The so-called ‘Ercan’ airport is not recognized by ICAO, which is the highest international authority on legal issues relating to civil aviation in general. ICAO’s policy on matters relating to Cyprus is in conformity with that of the United Nations and the international community. Consequently, ICAO recognizes only the Republic of Cyprus and its Government as the sole representative of the whole island.
It should also be stressed that according to the ICAO decision of 1974, 1975 and 1977, a country not exercising temporarily effective control over its territory by reason of military occupation, does not lose its sovereign rights over such territory and the airspace above it.
Furthermore, Turkey, in violation of the Chigaco Convention on the International Civil Aviation, the constitutional instrument of ICAO, and its Annexes, to which 188 countries, including the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey are States-Parties to, and following a number of illegal acts after the Turkish invasion, proclaimed the establishment of ‘Ercan advisory service’ which lies in the northern part of Nicosia FIR. At this airport the entry, clearance, immigration, customs, quarantine regulations, aviation security and conditions for passengers, mail and cargo, as required by the Republic of Cyprus are not observed. Hence, the security and safety of passengers and cargo is not guaranteed.
Larnaka International Airport
The airport is:
– 8 km (3 miles) from Larnaka town
– 50 km (31 miles) from Lefkosia
– 70 km (43 miles) from Lemesos
– 50 km (31 miles) from Agia Napa
– 140 km (87 miles) from Pafos
Services offered to travellers at Larnaka Airport include:
– Automated Flight information (24-hour service).
– Pancyprian Telephone Number: (+357) 77 778 833.
– Live agents available from 08:00-23:00, daily.
– Hotel reservations can also be arranged.
– Customer Service Desk, offering 24-hour service. For assistance please call: (+357) 24 816 400.
– ATM machines/banks (open daily 07:30 – 23:30).
– Card telephones.
– Duty Free shops.
– Food & Beverage – wide variety of outlets.
– Luggage storage service.
– Newsstand, kiosk and souvenir shop.
– Taxis with rates based on a taximeter.
– Shuttle buses to different towns.
– Car rental offices.
– VAT Refund Office (located before passport control).
– Special Assistance Facilities.
– Post Office – open 07:30 – 15:30 (except Sundays and Public Holidays). Tel: (+357) 24 008 748.
– Health Inspector’s Office.
– Car park facilities. Car park rates and facilities for advance booking can be found online at:Â www.hermesairports.com/en/airlines/car-parking
Pafos International Airport
The airport is:
– 15 km (9 miles) east of Pafos town
– 63 km (39 miles) from Lemesos
– 130 km (81 miles) from Larnaka
– 50 km (28 miles) from Polis
– 142 km (88 miles) from Lefkosia
Services offered to travellers at Pafos International Airport include:
– Hotel Reservations can also be arranged.
– ATM machines.
– Card telephones.
– Duty Free shops.
– Food & Beverage – wide variety of outlets.
– Newsstands, kiosk and souvenir shop.
– Taxis with rates based on a taximeter.
– Shuttle buses to different towns.
– Car rental offices.
– Special Assistance Facilities.
– Car parking facilities. Car park rates and facilities for advance booking can be found online at:Â http://www.hermesairports.com/easyconsole.cfm/page/pafoshome/site/pafos/lang/en/
