in-cyprus 6 November 2024 - by Fanis Makrides
The Civil Aviation Department has questioned the legality of using security dogs at Larnaca and Paphos airports by private contractor ICTS, which provides security services under an agreement with airport operator Hermes.
ICTS staff have been deploying dogs at both airports since October, prompting immediate concern from the Civil Aviation Department, the state’s supervisory authority for airport security. The department claims it is the sole authority authorised to certify and approve such security measures, noting that ICTS had not submitted any formal request for dog deployment.
The Cyprus Police has stated firmly that the use of police dogs falls under their exclusive jurisdiction. “According to relevant legislation, this authority can only be exercised by the Police. Police dogs and their handlers are properly trained”, the force’s communications department told local media.
Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades confirmed he was aware of the situation and that the Police oppose ICTS’s use of dogs. He said the Civil Aviation Department has informed ICTS that proper procedures were not followed, requesting the company to submit formal applications for review.
Hermes Airports’ Director of Aviation Development, Marketing and Communications Maria Kouroupi maintained that the dogs were being used on a trial basis, part of an international pilot programme aimed at familiarising the animals with airport passengers. She denied this was circumventing police authority or the Civil Aviation Department’s role.
ICTS, which has provided aviation security services including X-ray screening at the airports since 2017, has yet to respond to requests for comment. Their original agreement with Hermes specifically stated that national security and border control matters would remain under state jurisdiction.
