Filenews 23 August 2025 - by Angelos Nikolaou
The issue of creating a new road access to Paphos International Airport and in particular to the "Andreas Papandreou" air base seems to be entering a new phase. Following a proposal from the United States of America (USA), the creation of a second road has been put on the table, which will act as an alternative access route in case of emergency.
This is the first time that national security reasons have been officially invoked in order to overcome the significant environmental obstacles that have repeatedly blocked the construction of a road axis through the estuary of the Ezousa River, within the area of the Natura 2000 network Special Protection Area (SPA) Estuaries of the Ezoussa, Xeros and Diarizos Estuary.
According to information, the Ministry of Defense, following the recommendation of the United States, proceeded to a series of contacts with all the stakeholders involved, informing about the new approach and the position of the state. Now, the Ministry of Defense is expected to submit an official proposal to the Council of Ministers, in order to proceed with the relevant procedures.
The United States, which has expressed particular interest in upgrading the "Andreas Papandreou" air base, considers the existence of a second road route as a key element of operational adequacy and safety. The planning includes, among other things, the development of neighbouring land, as well as infrastructure projects that will enhance interoperability with the US and its European partners.
It is worth noting that the relevant suggestion was made by the 435th Emergency Support Squadron of the U.S. Air Force, based in Germany. This team has already carried out two visits to Cyprus, proceeding with an autopsy at the air base and formulating specific technical and operational proposals.
The Department of Defense, in coordination with military experts from the United States, is expected to submit a specific proposal to the Council of Ministers. The project is expected to be part of a new dual-use infrastructure strategy (military and civilian), with the invocation of national security reasons now changing the decision-making framework.
In conclusion, the discussion on the new road to the Paphos air base is now at a pivotal point, with the state being called upon to balance between national security and environmental protection, two issues with heavy consequences and complex implications.
Environmental Responses and Special Ecological Assessment
The reference to national security reasons contradicts a series of negative opinions issued by the Environmental Authority over the last two decades on the proposed project, which concerns the construction of a coastal road that will connect Paphos International Airport with the Paphos-Geroskipou tourist area.
According to the latest Special Ecological Assessment Report (June 2023), the construction of the disputed coastal road is expected to cause serious, negative and irreversible impacts on species and habitats in the area of the Natura 2000 SPA Ezoussa, Xeros and Diarizos Estuary.
The Environmental Authority, citing previous studies, argues that the negative consequences cannot be adequately mitigated and points out that there is a viable alternative: the upgrade of the existing road network, which will not cause the same environmental degradation.
The history of rejections:
2005 & 2009: Environmental studies were rejected due to serious effects on the two species of sea turtles included in Annexes I and IV of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) breeding in the area, as well as on important wild bird species of Annex I of the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC, former Directive 79/409/EEC).
2016 & 2017: New studies have confirmed the deterioration, fragmentation and loss of vital habitats.
2022 & 2023: The competent services reiterated that the project remains environmentally unacceptable, proposing the use of existing infrastructure.
The Strategic Importance of the Base and the Role of the U.S.
The "Andreas Papandreou" air base has acquired particular strategic importance for humanitarian missions, civilian transport, and as a transit hub. The U.S. is actively involved in the planning of the upgrade, which includes, among other things:
● Runway Extension
● Shed construction
● Creation of a modern communication center
The U.S. financial contribution is taken for granted, as was confirmed during President Christodoulides' official visit to Washington (October 30, 2024), during Biden's presidency – a commitment that has not changed even after Trump's election.
From 2005 to 2025
The first environmental study was prepared in 2005 and was rejected, with an Opinion of the Environmental Authority, on 09/01/2006, due to significant effects on the coastal front (affecting the breeding habitat of sea turtles), but also due to operational problems from the proximity to the airport.
A new study followed in 2007 to explore other alternatives. The Contract of the study concerned the preparation of an Environmental Study and a Preliminary Design and, in case of its approval by the Environmental Authority, provided for the preparation of construction plans. The Environmental Authority's Opinion was issued on 09/09/2009 and was negative. This was followed in 2011 by a specialized environmental impact study on the protection of sea turtles and fauna.
The area of the proposed route, as presented in 2016, passes through and occupies 36% of the area of the Natura 2000 Network – SPA Estuaries of Ezousa, Xeros and Diarizos and fragments the habitat, which due to its linear character is one of the most important areas for many species of Annex I and migratory species of the Wild Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) such as circuses, falcons (including the endangered Falco vespertinus) etc., while they are of particular importance for the nesting of the species characterizing the protected area as well as the francoline.
According to the evaluation of the Special Ecological Assessment Study (SLP), which was carried out on 24/10/2016, it emerged that the construction and use of the proposed road will cause the degradation of the protected area resulting in significant, negative and irreversible impacts on their species and habitats, as well as on the conservation objectives, cohesion and integrity of the SPA. The results of the project evaluation demonstrated impacts related to land use change, alteration, loss and fragmentation of the area, nuisance, loss of SPA species and their habitats, which they use as vital foraging, nesting, breeding and resting grounds.
Taking into account the above, a relevant Special Ecological Assessment (EDA) report was issued on 15/3/2017, which concluded that the project will cause significant, negative and irreversible effects during the construction and operation of the project. This conclusion was also in line with the previous relevant Environmental Opinion issued for the project on 9/9/2009 and the fact that there is an alternative to the existing road.
Following a new discussion of the issue in the Parliamentary Committee on Transport, Communications and Works, on 24/2/20217, the competent Departments reviewed the data and pointed out again that, due to the area of the Natura 2000 SPA Ezoussa, Xeros and Diarizos Estuary, the construction of a bridge over the river cannot be allowed. Moreover, the alternative of a tunnel under the river is not a feasible option, due to the technical complexity and specialized studies that would be required, as well as the disproportionate costs. Moreover, it would not be environmentally acceptable either, because it would prevent the unhindered flow of groundwater to the sea.
In view of the above, and given that the Department of Public Works did not have the opportunity to further deal with the issue of environmental approval of the project, the Ministry of Transport agreed with a proposal made by the President of the Paphos NLG to the Minister, at a meeting held in Paphos, on 20/01/2020, for the assignment of a new environmental study by the Paphos Ltd. itself, to consider alternatives.
Subsequently, according to the above decision, a new JTP was submitted to the Department of the Environment, which was examined on 23/9/2022 and for which a negative opinion was issued in June 2023.
