A new Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), vital for aviation safety, is now operational at Ercan Airport.

AWOS is a fully configurable airport weather system that provides continuous, real time information and reports on airport weather conditions, provides real-time meteorological data such as ground temperature, wind speed, humidity, pressure, visibility and cloud base height from various points on the runway to the Airport Meteorology Office, the Control Tower, and the Approach Control Office.

During a press conference held at Ercan Airport on Thursday, the Minister of Public Works and Transportation Erhan Arıklı introduced the new system.

Sinan Güneş, Director of the Meteorology Department, provided technical details about the new systeö, confirming its installation and operation at Ercan Airport.

Güneş emphasized that the activation of this system marked a significant milestone for the airport.

“With the system now in operation, Ercan Airport has moved from Category 1 to Category 2, significantly enhancing the safety of flights,” he said.

Minister Arıklı acknowledged that the early opening of the new Ercan Airport had brought it with some shortcomings and deficiencies, which are being addressed progressively.

He noted that while a Mobile Meteorological Device was initially used, the airport now boasts an excellent, state-of-the-art system.

Arıklı emphasized the continuous improvement of Ercan Airport, declaring, “This airport belongs to us, the people. When the contractor leaves, it is up to us to take care of it.”

Arıklı urged everyone to support Ercan Airport, which he described as the greatest achievement of the Turkish Cypriots since 1974.

Following the press conference, certificates were awarded to personnel trained to operate, maintain, and manage the new system.