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Beirut-bound planes diverted to Cyprus

(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-07-13 13:58

NICOSIA - Planes were diverted from Lebanon to Larnaca in Cyprus on Thursday after Israeli jets attacked Beirut airport, Cypriot officials said.

Civil aviation authorities said at least five aircraft had been diverted to Larnaca on the Mediterranean island, which is one of the closest airports to Beirut.
 

Smoke rises from Beirut international airport after being hit by Israeli warplanes July 13,2006. Israeli aircraft attacked Beirut airport and killed 22 civilians in strikes on south Lebanon on Thursday, dramatically widening its reprisals after Hizbollah captured two Israeli soldiers and killed eight. [Reuters]

"We have given permission for flights to land provided that it does not affect our own air traffic movement at Larnaca," Cypriot Communications Minister Haris Thrassou told Reuters.

He said they would not rule out granting Paphos airport for landings but said the airport was too small to handle many aircraft at once.

Cypriot national carrier Cyprus Airways, which flies daily to Beirut, had cancelled its Wednesday night flight.

Beirut is a popular holiday destination for many Cypriots.