Filenews 9 October 2025 - by Dora Christodoulou
The expansion projects of Paphos International Airport, which have now entered a phase of full development, in addition to their obvious importance for the smooth operation of the unit and the better service of the passenger public, also mark the revival of the hope of everyone in Paphos that they will somehow manage to contribute to the reduction of environmental reactions, which are considered unreasonable by the whole of Paphos, in order to implement the long-standing request for the completion of the new road leading to it.
The expansion of the airport, with the expected increase in the number of passengers on a permanent basis, is considered a given by the authorities of the province that it cannot be supported by the existing road, of specifications of the 60s and that a modern road that will connect the unit with Paphos and the tourist areas of Kato Paphos and Coral Bay cannot be an independent result of the extensions to the airport.
In addition to this interconnection, the Paphos are now also involving the US on this issue. And this, since, as Fileleftheros revealed months ago, the issue of creating a new road access to Paphos International Airport was officially put on the table by the Americans in relation to the facilities they receive and the upgrade they are studying for the "Andreas Papandreou" air base. In particular, following a proposal by the United States of America, the creation of a second road has been put on the table, which will function as an alternative access route in case of emergency.
This is the first time that national security reasons have been officially invoked with the aim of overcoming the significant environmental obstacles that have repeatedly blocked the construction of a road through the estuary of the Ezousa River, within the Natura 2000 network area Special Protection Area (SPA) Estuary of the Rivers Ezousa, Xeros and Diarizos.
According to the information of Fileleftheros, the Ministry of Defense, following the recommendation of the USA, proceeded with a series of contacts with all stakeholders, 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 US, which has expressed particular interest in upgrading the "Andreas Papandreou" air base, considers the existence of a second road 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 recommendation was made by the 435th Emergency Support Squadron of the US Air Force, based in Germany. This team has already made two visits to Cyprus, carrying out an autopsy at the air base and formulating specific technical and operational proposals.
The Department of Defense, in coordination with military experts from the US, 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 civil), with the invocation of national security reasons now changing the decision-making framework.
