Israel Issues Airspace Closure Warning for This Weekend, Cyprus Plans Military Drill
Cyprus issues NOTAM for maritime exercise February 3-6 with tactical military coordination language as Israel warns airlines of potential airspace closures during "sensitive period." Purple Area activation off Cyprus coast coincides with trilateral Greece-Cyprus-Israel defense drills and escalating U.S.-Iran tensions.
Cyprus' Flight Information Region (FIR) has issued NOTAM A0113/26 announcing a maritime exercise off the coast from February 3-6, 2026, daily between 0530-0830 UTC, activating a designated "Purple Area" with real-time tactical coordination involving Nicosia Air Control Center (ACC).
The language in the NOTAM, emphasizing tactical coordination, is often associated with live military operations rather than standard drills, potentially indicating involvement from external partners.This comes amid announcements of expanded joint air and naval exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean involving Cyprus, Greece, and Israel in 2026, as confirmed by Greek military officials following a trilateral defense action plan signed in late December 2025.
The exercises aim to enhance maritime security and address threats, with Cyprus Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas noting that scheduling will depend on operational needs.
At the same time, Israel has issued warnings to foreign airlines about potential airspace closures during a "sensitive period" possibly beginning this weekend, amid escalating tensions with Iran.
Israeli carriers like El Al, Arkia, and Israir have eased cancellation policies for flights through mid-March, while international airlines such as Lufthansa have extended restrictions on night flights to Tel Aviv through February 3.
No direct link between the Cyprus NOTAM and Israeli warnings has been officially stated, but the overlapping timelines and regional context suggest coordinated military preparedness.