A bit of History
Cyprus, owing to its strategic location between three continents has had a turbulent past since ancient times. In its recent history, the island became independent from British colonial rule on the 16th of August 1960 after the London-Zurich Agreements. However three years after the independence trouble arose followed by the erection of barricades and enclaves segregating the two communities in major towns. In 1974, Turkey invaded in Cyprus in response to a Greek-Junta sponsored Coup to overthrow the democratically elected government. A historical review of Cyprus can be found at the Press and Information Website and a timeline of key events (up to 2008) can be found at the UNFICYP webpage.
The International airport of Nicosia was the principal airport of the Republic of Cyprus, until its closure in 1974 during the Turkish invasion, where the area came under the control of the UN. Its IATA code was NIC (which remains inactive until now) and it has two runways 1432 (Principal) and 0927. A brief history of the airport and its operation can be found at its Wikipedia page and the UNFICYP website
As the location of the UN Headquarters, Nicosia International Airport plays a significant role in the efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem, since the negotiations between the two communities have just recommenced (February 2014) at its site.
The International airport of Nicosia was the principal airport of the Republic of Cyprus, until its closure in 1974 during the Turkish invasion, where the area came under the control of the UN. Its IATA code was NIC (which remains inactive until now) and it has two runways 1432 (Principal) and 0927. A brief history of the airport and its operation can be found at its Wikipedia page and the UNFICYP website
As the location of the UN Headquarters, Nicosia International Airport plays a significant role in the efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem, since the negotiations between the two communities have just recommenced (February 2014) at its site.
Location of the Airport
Nicosia International Airport is located in the United Nations Protected Area (UNPA) in the west of the island's Capital Nicosia, just north of the A9 motorway towards Kokkinotrimithia.
Gallery- THEN
The photos in the slideshow below are from the late 60s and include the construction and early operation of the airport.The pictures are property of the Republic of Cyprus Press & Information Office and their unauthorised reproduction and use is strictly prohibited, without prior written consent by the owner.
GaLLERY - NOW
These photographs were taken very recently at the deserted terminal featuring the staff of the airport and Cyprus Airways, including members of the crew of flight CY317 from London Heathrow that landed at Nicosia International on the 20th of July 1974. This was the last commercial flight to land in the Airport. These pictures were taken by photographer Andros Efstathiou (www.isnotgallery.com) and they were featured at journalist Michalis Christodoulou blog, who interviewed Mr Efstathiou for Kathimerini (Cyprus) on the occasion of Mr Efstathiou's exhibition. Reproduction and use of the photographic is strictly prohibited, without the prior consent of Mr. Efstathiou.
GALLERY - FRom student s'visit (19/3/2014)
NICOSia international Airport-Waltz of lost dreams
A video slideshow by EID Productions
FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE EXCLUSIVE PHOTO TOUR
An exclusive tour of Nicosia International Airport. The Famagusta Gazette was granted unique access to photograph what was once the main airport for the island of Cyprus, but has now been derelict for nearly forty years. The commercial flight area has lain empty since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. See the departure lounge, immigration, shops, cafe, arrivals, baggage area, airfield and outbuildings.
All Photos Copyright FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE. www.famagusta-gazette.com
All Photos Copyright FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE. www.famagusta-gazette.com
PROJECT "UNCOVERED"
This short documentary includes scenes from the Nicosia International Airport and interviews with the artists, curators and the organizing committee of the project UNCOVERED. The documentary was produced by Michalis Kalopedis (ZedeM Media / KiprosTV) and funded by UNDP. For more information on the UNCOVERED project visit: uncovered-cyprus.com
NICOSIA AIRPORT IN OPERATION VIDEO through personal stories
A video by Melis Nicolaides