Cyprus-Forum.com

[magikthrill]

I remember hearing something about the capital airport opening up if the country was reunited. Does anyone know anything about this? Where is it located and why is it not open now?

I remember my aunt was telling me how excited they all were when they visited the airport as little kids from their villages and were so amazed at the automatic doors. What condition is the airport in now?

[-mikkie2-]

Nicosia airport will never open again. It is too dangerous to fly to with modern airliners as it is close to Pendadactylos. Also, Nicosia has expanded and much of the area around the airport has been developed into residential and industrial areas.

The same may eventually happen with Tymbou ironically enough. It is too close to the mountains and aircraft have to bank steeply away when taking off - I can see them from my sisters house!

[cannedmoose]

Apparently the runway is still in quite bad condition. I'd second Mikkie's statement about it probably being too dangerous for modern large airliners, but it could potentially be used by smaller executive jets and light aircraft.

Apparently the terminal buildings are in reasonable condition, but are now very dated and would require massive upgrading if it were ever to reopen to tourist traffic.

I'm interested in Mikkie's information about Tymbou. Any ideas why they built an airport here rather than in Mesaoria, which would seem the natural location for a modern international airport in the interior. Did Tymbou exist before 1974?

[magikthrill]

is Tymbou the airport in the north?

Did Larnaca exist pre-invasion?

[Othellos]

is Tymbou the airport in the north?

Did Larnaca exist pre-invasion?

The airfields in Larnaka and Tympou were built by the British back in the 1950's, during the Suez Crisis, and were used for the transport of British and French paratroops to the combat zone.

I remember reading a story about how Larnaka was "re-discovered" after 1974. While the civil aviation authorities were considering a new suitable location for an airport, someone remembered the airstrip near the Salt Lake. They drove out there and they had to actually search for the airstrip in the weeds in order to find it.

Apparently Mikkie2 is correct in that Nicosia's airport may never be used again. It has been said that its location makes it unsuitable for modern aircraft.

O.

[Bananiot]

Some years ago I did a 10km run for charity in the area of the Nicosia airport. The run took us onto the runway and next to a wreck of what used to be a Cyprus Airways Comet aircraft. As we approached it a swarm of pigeons came out of it and some runners climbed onto the wings and entered the craft. Further down we saw the remains of a Greek aircraft, probably Hercules, which was brought down by GC fire during the war.

The surrounding area is terrific. It is a fairly high plataeu and even during the hot summer months there is always a breeze of cool air. "Progress" has not touched the area and if a solution is found the place can become a real lung for sunbaked Nicosia. Sadly, I agree the airport cannot be used by big modern aircraft and I seem to remember a crush, prior to 1974, when a plane fell on Pentadaktylos mountains. I am not so sure about Tymbou facing the same problem but, apparently, there is another airport in the north, at Lefkonoiko, in the heart of Mesaoria.

[Viewpoint]

I visited the old airport area last year and although the airport must have been impressive pre 1974, it cannot be revived now due to its derelict state and positioning.
As a child I can remember going through the airport and being discriminated against, the baggage of TCs were always searched where as GCs passengers were asked for identification and ushered on, anyone else experience this humiliation? if it was one off like other airports it would have been a normal procedure but unfortunately it was obvious targeting of TCs passengers. The airport authorities even levied a tax on presents we had bought for our family. Funny how some events just stay in your mind dont your think???

[cannedmoose]

apparently, there is another airport in the north, at Lefkonoiko, in the heart of Mesaoria.

Interesting, I didn't know that there were two in the north. Is this a civilian airport or military?

[Viewpoint]

cannedmoose

Interesting, I didn't know that there were two in the north. Is this a civilian airport or military?

Yes there are 2 airports in the north, Gecitkale which was upgraded and used as a civilian airport while Ercan was being rebuilt to international standards, now Ercan is operative Gecitkale is being used by the miltary.

[cannedmoose]

Thanks VP