airports

Britons unprepared for new EU entry system causing long queue fears in airports

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Britons unprepared for new EU entry system causing long queue fears in airports

A new survey shows that many Britons are unaware of the upcoming European Union Entry/Exit System (EES), which will replace manual passport stamping with biometric checks. Concerns have been raised about potential delays at airports due to the new system. Additionally, Britons will also need to obtain pre-approved travel authorisation through the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) for visits to certain European countries. The UK Parliament’s European Scrutiny Committee is investigating the potential impact of the EES on UK borders, including possible gridlock in Kent.

Air connections restored between Cyprus and Jordan, Lebanon

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Air connections restored between Cyprus and Jordan, Lebanon

The air connection between Cyprus and Jordan, as well as Lebanon, has been restored after their airspace reopened. Flights to Amman and Beirut from and to Larnaca Airport are operating as usual. Other airlines have cancelled flights to Tel Aviv due to the current situation in the Middle East. Cyprus Airways has suspended all flights to and from Beirut, with an announcement expected regarding flights to Tel Aviv.

Israel’s Netanyahu vows victory after Iran strikes, fears of wider conflict grow

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Israel’s Netanyahu vows victory after Iran strikes, fears of wider conflict grow

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his country would achieve victory after the military successfully shot down almost all of the more than 300 drones and missiles launched by Iran. The attacks by Tehran, in response to an Israeli air strike in Damascus that killed officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, raised the threat of a wider regional conflict. Netanyahu posted on social media that “together we shall win,” and the Israeli military reported that over 99% of the Iranian drones and missiles were intercepted. Israel is considering a significant response to the attack, which has escalated tensions in the region.

Iranian airports cancel flights until Monday morning

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Iranian airports cancel flights until Monday morning

Fact: Several Iranian airports, including Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport, have cancelled flights until Monday due to tensions in the Middle East following Iran’s attack on Israel.

President convenes emergency meeting over Israel-Iran tensions

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President convenes emergency meeting over Israel-Iran tensions

President Christodoulides convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) to discuss the potential implications of a new flare-up in the Middle East region, particularly between Iran and Israel. The meeting focused on preventive measures, including security at airports and ports, in case of increased flows of Syrian refugees and potential threats to Cyprus. The Government clarified that the meeting was not out of concern but to evaluate data and exchange opinions on the situation. There is no differentiation in security measures, and the Government’s main goal is to prevent escalation in the region. President Christodoulides’ invitation to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to visit Lebanon is still under discussion.

Flights cancelled in parts of UK, power outages in Ireland due to storm

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Flights cancelled in parts of UK, power outages in Ireland due to storm

Fact: Storm Kathleen caused flight cancellations and power outages in parts of the United Kingdom and Ireland, affecting airports, rail services, and approximately 34,000 homes, farms, and businesses.

Government introduces bill to regulate potable water prices

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Government introduces bill to regulate potable water prices

The government has submitted a bill to set a ceiling on the price of potable water at points of sale with inadequate price competition. The proposed legislation gives the minister of industry the power to fix maximum prices on certain retail goods, including bottled water in 500ml or 750ml containers. The price ceiling will apply to various public spaces and the aim is to protect consumers during difficult economic circumstances. If a seller breaks the law, the consumer protection service can impose fines of up to €10,000, with additional fines for continued violations.

10 Cypriots on Forbes 2024 billionaire list

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10 Cypriots on Forbes 2024 billionaire list

– Vinod Adani is the top-ranking Cypriot on the Forbes World’s Billionaires List for 2024 with a net worth of billion.
– Adani, aged 75, resides in Dubai but has Cypriot citizenship.

Traffic camera system completion expected by May

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Traffic camera system completion expected by May

The traffic camera system is expected to be completed in May with the installation of 90 fixed cameras. Pending issues include approval needed for specific points, such as one at the intersection in Polemidia where a fatal accident occurred. Changes are being made to improve visibility at intersections and increase the time to pay penalty notices. Plans are also in place to send penalty notices directly to drivers at airports, ports, and roadblocks. A bill is being considered to allow for SMS or email notifications of penalty notices. Awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate the public on intersection safety. Plans to increase penalty points for losing a driving license are pending, but a program for erasing points through road awareness courses is being promoted. Legislative changes are being made to address issues with non-delivery of penalty notices and unidentified violators.

Passport checks for air travellers lifted as Bulgaria and Romania join EU, ’s Schengen

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Passport checks for air travellers lifted as Bulgaria and Romania join EU, ’s Schengen

Fact: Airports in Sofia and Bucharest have removed passport check points for those departing to or arriving from most European Union member states as Bulgaria and Romania partially joined the Schengen open-travel zone.