Cyprus, Israel joint exercise at Larnaca airport postponed (updated)

A joint emergency exercise that was due to be conducted at Larnaca airport between 10pm Tuesday and 2am Wednesday has been postponed, police said on Tuesday.

They did not elaborate.

The exercise was part of “Joint Tactical Training 2022” between the Cyprus airport security police (Dasa) and their Israeli counterparts.

Citing an announcement, the Cyprus News Agency has said the aim of the exercise was cooperation and immediate response in case of an illegal incident at the airports, with participation of members of Dasa and Israeli Airlines staff.

Airport operators Hermes Airports Ltd, civil aviation, the private security company ICTS, and ground transport companies were also due to participate in the training.

According to the announcement, the exercise was set for a time when no arrivals and departures of aircraft will take place. During the exercise, various scenarios were planned in areas where Israeli flights take off and land, with shots due to have been fired with blank cartridges.

The announcement assures the public that there was absolutely no reason for concern.