Russian aircraft carrier disrupts Mediterranean air traffic
The arrival of the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier into the Mediterranean basin disrupts civilian aviation in the area between Israel, Cyprus and Lebanon; closures and delays of air traffic are expected until December 24th.
Israeli airlines were instructed on Sunday night to plan alternative routes, as some of the flights departing from Israel fly over Cyprus the surrounding area.
The Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov approached the Syrian coast less than two weeks ago with the purpose of providing military aid to Bashar Assad's forces in their war against the rebels.
The closing of the airspace was published by aviation authorities in Nicosia. The closure affects all flights in the area between Israel, Cyprus and Lebanon.
The message to aircrews included the temporary closure of ten civilian flight paths used for air traffic in Cyprian airspace from Israel during certain hours, as well as the closure of other routes for long periods of time.
Closures in airspace began at 7:00am and is in effect until December 24th at 7:00pm. The Israeli Aeronautical Information Service, which is responsible for instructions for airlines, updated companies with Eurocontrol, which regulates closing of airspace in designated areas.
"Military activities in the Mediterranean basin affects civil aviation and recently we are seeing more significant limitations spatially and in terms of closures," explained an aviation official. "These restrictions are causing delays and cancellations of low altitude flights and are increasing flight times."
