Akel Party Unveils Bill To Shield Arable Land From Solar Park Expansion

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 14, 2025

The Akel Party has introduced a legislative bill aimed at restricting the issuance of permits for commercial solar parks. The initiative is designed to preserve Cyprus’s valuable arable land and conservation areas from the rapid proliferation of these renewable energy facilities.

Defined Restrictions On Permit Issuance

The proposed legislation outlines five specific scenarios in which permits for commercial solar parks would be barred. These include land of high natural value, arable or permanently irrigated land, territories under government-supported irrigation projects, zones designated for environmental protection, and areas falling under Natura 2000 designations.

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Balancing Renewable Energy With Agricultural Interests

Notably, the bill exempts farmers from these restrictions when installing photovoltaic systems for their own use, a provision that recognizes the importance of agriculture alongside renewable energy expansion. This nuanced approach aims to balance energy innovation with the safeguarding of traditional farming practices.

Industry Impact And Parliamentary Debate

Mainstream debate in parliament has been ongoing for years, spurred by concerns from agricultural sectors in the Famagusta and Paphos districts. Local farmers have repeatedly highlighted that the unchecked growth of solar parks has eroded agricultural operations and diminished available pasture lands, raising alarms about broader community development ramifications.

Statistical Evidence And Future Implications

In his address, Akel MP Yiannakis Gavriel cited critical figures to amplify the urgency of the issue. He noted that solar parks already generating a cumulative 58 megawatts (MW) operate in the Famagusta region, with permits for an additional 408MW having been approved. Gavriel warned that, given the approximately 900MW of installed renewable energy capacity across Cyprus, the full implementation of these projects could have dire consequences for agriculture and local communities alike.

Looking Ahead

As the bill moves forward, authorities are faced with roughly 100 pending applications for commercial solar parks. The outcome of this legislative effort will likely set a precedent for how Cyprus balances the twin imperatives of renewable energy growth and the preservation of its agricultural heritage.

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Bird Aviation Signs Long-Term EasyJet Maintenance Deal In Cyprus

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 30, 2026

Bird Aviation has signed a long-term agreement with easyJet to provide scheduled aircraft maintenance services at its Larnaca facilities, expanding the companies’ existing partnership and securing maintenance work in Cyprus for at least seven years.

Seven-Year Maintenance Agreement

The agreement runs for an initial seven years, with an option to extend for a further three years, Bird Aviation said.

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Under the contract, the company will operate two maintenance lines dedicated to scheduled heavy maintenance checks for easyJet’s Airbus A320 family aircraft. All work will be carried out at Bird Aviation’s facilities in Larnaca.

Expanding An Existing Partnership

Bird Aviation said the agreement builds on its long-standing relationship with easyJet and provides a long-term framework for heavy maintenance services. The company added that the contract strengthens the role of its Larnaca base in supporting easyJet’s fleet maintenance programme.

EasyJet Reports Lower Profit

The agreement comes as easyJet faces a more challenging operating environment. The airline recently reported that pre-tax profit fell 70% to £85 million in the April-to-June quarter, compared with £286 million a year earlier, largely because of a £105 million increase in fuel costs following renewed conflict in the Middle East.

The airline also said customers are booking flights closer to departure, affecting the timing of revenue. However, booking trends have improved during the peak summer season, although easyJet said the outlook remains dependent on late-season demand and fuel prices.

Takeover Bid And Industry Challenges

EasyJet is also the subject of competing takeover bids from two U.S. investment firms. The board initially accepted a £5.5 billion offer from Castlelake before recommending Apollo Global Management’s higher £5.7 billion proposal. Any transaction could face scrutiny under European Union airline ownership rules.

Meanwhile, Ryanair also reported weaker earnings, with quarterly profit falling 34% to €538 million after higher jet fuel costs during the Iran conflict. Despite the higher costs, both airlines said demand strengthened during the summer travel season.

“Pricing has been attractive, driving strong late booking demand for our flights and holidays,” easyJet chief executive Kenton Jarvis said.

“Our recent experience is that bookings become strong in the month of departure,” he said. “So I expect that as we move through August, bookings will be above where they were at this time last year.”

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