British Bases Decline Expansion Request, Operators Block Firing Range Amid Fishermen Protest

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 21, 2026

Following a recent rejection from the British Bases regarding the proposed expansion of the Xylophage mining zone, the companies managing the local mines have taken decisive action by blocking access to the designated firing range.

Persistent Protest by Coastal Communities

Professional fishermen and maritime transport operators have mobilized to protest, arguing that the operations at the firing range are significantly undermining their income. The demonstrators have committed to an indefinite protest until the British Bases reconsider their request to extend mining activities in the Xylophage area, emphasizing the socio-economic impact on local livelihoods.

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Regulatory Challenges and Industry Response

In a meeting on January 16, 2026, Antonis Laturou, President of the Pan-Cypriot Mining Association, discussed concerns with the Environment Department of the British Bases. They indicated that an extension of the mining area could not be approved until further environmental studies were conducted—a stipulation that many local stakeholders contest. Consequently, mining operators have preemptively blocked access to the firing range, effectively curtailing any further mining-related activities by the British Bases.

Maintaining Legal Compliance Amid Controversy

The British Bases have reiterated their respect for the right to peaceful protest while affirming their commitment to supporting local mining companies. They stressed that any further expansion of operations would adhere strictly to legal requirements and noted ongoing communications with the Republic of Cyprus, which has expressed its support in managing this complex issue.

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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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