Cyprus faces being taken to court by the European Commission (EC) if it fails to adopt a new aviation security policy within two months.
The EC today said that Cyprus has not updated its national civil aviation security programme since its introduction in 2004 and, therefore, fails "to reflect the significant changes introduced into EU legislation since that time".
The Commission says it is "concerned" both at this lapse and at Cyprus's failure to adopt an up-to-date national quality control programme.
"Cyprus can, therefore, not guarantee that all airports, airlines and entities are aware of their respective responsibilities in terms of security, nor ensure that effective national monitoring activities are carried out," it says in a statement.
It adds that although the Cypriot Government has said that a new civil aviation security programme is being prepared, it has not yet been formally adopted or applied.
EU legislation passed in 2008 sets new standards for several aspects of aviation security, including access control at airports, screening of baggage and passengers, and security controls for cargo and mail.
The EC says that Cyprus has two months to respond. "If it fails to do so, the Commission may bring the case to the EU Court of Justice."
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
