I didn't realise that the Trident at Duxford was the one from here 😮 I've been on it and the preservation teams there have done a great job of making a lovely display on board. It's well worth a visit to the Airliner Collection at Duxford, they have some real gems there alongside the military history on display
My dad worked for Aramco in Saudi Arabia. Nicosia was a favorite with Aramcon's on their paid short holiday. Say 1959-1973. We would go for a week with a couple of neighbors staying in lovely seaside hotels. 3 couples with 6 boys on holiday, from 4-8 years old the first time. Safe, beautiful sea, great food and lovely people. Big airport back then.
Thank you for this video and the key footage from this era. I was born in Nicosia in July 1974 just a stone's throw away from this airport. The house where I was born is still a shell, lying just inside the No Man's Land created by the Green Line. Very sad story and still an unresolved conflict to this very day.
Other RUclipsrs merely skirt over many subjects, whereas we can always guarantee that your attention to detail, and all aspects contained within, are brilliantly researched, and delivered with absolutely no nonsense added. This is a truly educational channel. Thank you for all your work.
A super compilation, thank you. I was a toddler at the old RAF airport, where, behind iron mesh fencing, I got hooked on the BEA comets, as we stood so close to them on the ground. Then when the new terminal opened, it was BEA Vanguards & Tridents. One day at the new terminal, RAF Lightnings touched down, opening parachutes behind them- there was always so much fun to be had on the external balcony, together with exotic looking Tupolevs. I took my first flight to Athens on a Trident in 1972, whilst in third grade. Nicosia airport was a glamorous place to be in the early 70’s. Grandpa brought an African grey parrot from Africa one year, and the little clown was whistling his head off inside customs! The end of Nicosia airport marked the end of our childhood innocence, whilst it also ushered in a few years of plane-spotting deprivation 🙁 Each time I drive along the periphery of the airport, I glance across at the current wasteland, the runway and Terminal, and I’m reminded of that dreadful hot summer of 1974 and the fierce battles that took place around the airport day and night. We lived a few kilometres away….only one correction, if I may. Turkey did not just decide to launch an invasion in July 1974, as a reaction to the Coup against Makarios, as you mentioned. Invasions don’t unfold like a summer vacation. Historical evidence from Turkish Cypriot sources reveals that Turkish plans to annex Cyprus stretch as far back in 1958 when Cyprus was still a British colony. Bridge-heads were achieved by Turks in 1964- 1967, whilst a sector of Greekcypriots were busy fighting their own civil war until 1974, not being able to decide amongst them whether to unite with Greece or to remain a Republic….thank you..
I lived in Cyprus for 5 years from 1955 onwards as my dad was in the army and we flew in and out of Nicosia a few times in that period. We lived in Famagusta for 2 and a half years and also Larnaca for the rest of our time in Cyprus. I remember going to school on a bus with a soldier sat at the front with a Sten Gun and my dad also had his at home with him. I loved my time in Cyprus and a few years ago went there for a holiday with my late wife and showed her the places i used to go as a child. its a shame that the island is still divided, from this trip it seemed funny to go down Ledra street Nicosia as this was known as Murder mile when i lived there. But it is cut off half way along by the green line but you can look over and the Turkish part of the island.
While I know this wasn't the main topic of the video, in 2016 me and my brother took a trip to what remains of Varosha. We couldn't go in as it was heavily guarded but it felt like a rotting time capsule of the 70s, very surreal. It was also fascinating that they built the hotels so close to the shore, there was very little beach remaining! Still, a fascinating place.
Looks like it would be a fascinating place to explore, although I'm not sure how safe it would be. I can imagine gangs and thugs hanging out in the decrepit buildings.
Excellent presentation! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 A lot of interesting information on a subject I remember well from the mid 70s. I noticed in your video a brief image of a Cyprus Airways BAC 1-11. If memory serves me correctly that was 5B-DAF. It was ex G-AXMG, leased from Courtline Aviation and became stranded at Nicosia along with the Tridents. Also in 1974 Courtline ceased trading so ‘MG was salvaged and returned to the UK. In 1976 ‘MG joined the Monarch Airlines fleet. I had the pleasure of both working and flying on this aircraft for several years, until it was sold to British Island Airways. Thank you for a brilliant insight into Nicosia airport.
I operated AF to ATH and back on June 14th 1974. I’m not sure if she flew again before the invasion on the 20th, I suspect not On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of that invasion my mate Stu and I went back and had a very personal return to 5B-DAB. He was the F/O on her last flight so we finally got round to completing the shut down checklist that he had rather rushed through just before it all kicked off. Some of the levers were a bit stiff and someone had let the battery go flat so we retired to the Trident Pub down the road for a Keo - bugger, it was closed! Anyway, a lot of memories - most of them a bit eroded by all the water that had flowed under that particular bridge …
Got out from Nicosia airport on about the last civil flight as a little chap with my parents. Think that it was a BEA Trident but then I remember ventral stairs, but that might be from previous years in BAC 1-11s. Lived on Cyprus, dad worked there. NOT evacuated by HMG! I know it's a bldy nightmare looking at Sudan so we shd give the wheels within wheels at least a pause for thought but... Lots of Greek and Cypriot ladies in black doing their Rosaries, understandably upset at leaving their (daily) lives et al behind and lots of moaning. My mum sent my little blue eyed blond self plus teddy back down the aisle. Cue coohing and welcome smiles instead. They're good at that sort of thing, mums, aren't they?
Great video - having spent a lot of time in Cyprus and been to Nicosia, this was a really useful summary of the history of Cyprus from the 1930’s to the present day using Nicosia Airport as a fulcrum.
My sister's godfather was a Flight Sergeant, RAF Police. My late father informed me that said Grimshaw, who rejoiced in the nickname Tubby, ( he was, believe me!) was awarded the BEM for his conduct in the aftermath of the bombing of the NAAFI at RAF Nicosia in 1958. Dad was based at Episkopi at the time. Fast forward about twelve years and I'm a spotty faced youth passing through Nicosia on a regular basis en route to boarding school in the UK. If one excludes the bird poo the airport terminal is precisely as I remember it. Great video and thanks 👍
I saw 5B-DAC at Duxford when I visited there in April 1998. My friend didnt tell me where we were driving to and suddenly I saw the tail of a BOAC VC10 looming in the near distance.
My mum grew up in Famagusta, house went right onto the beach. Would have been an amazing place to grow up. Shame Famagusta is now near enough abandoned
@@melesmelesfaber3866 I think this was before it was properly developed into a 'holiday' destination where is was just small apartment blocks and houses lining the beach.
Whenever I have to go into the UN controlled airport for work, I always try and leave to the small exit at the rear as it takes me past the terminal building and the wreck of the airliner. It really is a surreal scene just not touched in all that time.
There were Hawker Hunters stationed at RAF Nicosia during 1956 and 1957 that I know of, I was a little lad then so have no knowledge of Squadrons, but at least one crashed on the runway in that period.
This is a very interesting video. Being an RAF brat 15 at the time, I remember the events unfolding on the news. Would love to see a similar video about RAF Khormaksar, aka Aden Airport which over the years has experienced phoenix-like developments.
Went on holiday to Protaras back in 2001 (two-weeks after 9/11) and we took a trip to the ghost town of Varosha. You could only see it in the distance back then, but apparently parts of it have now been opened up and you can go there. Don't go there in the summer months though, as it's bloody HOT!!
Went to Kyrenia in 1972 landing at Nicosia and travelling to Kyrenia in a UN convoy. Sad you didnt mention BEA's operation of Comets and Tridents, the latter frequently having problems taking-off in high temperatures with lack of lift and having to cancel or delay flights. Anyway useful political summary of the situation there over time so very interesting.
5B DAC and AD had a water meths injection system fitted for hot and heavy takeoffs. The three green lights indicating correct operation were keenly watched during the take off roll …
Very moving... I only knew Larnaca, but have always been fascinated by the Nicosia airport. Until this video, nobody has been able to answer my questions. Thank you so much.
@8:14 Maj Robert Harry Cain VC Jeremy Clarkson's father in law. There's a documentary about him and the VC Jeremy made, probably his best work along with the greatest raid.
Interesting remi der of this airport. I spent most of 1971 and 1972 during 2 un tours across the road from this airport at 644 signal squadron hq unficyp. We spent many an unofficial hour in the building drinking whiskey sours. I used to play squash at raf nicosia just down the road.
No mention of the wreckage of the old RAF Avro Shackleton just to the west of the airport? It is now inside the green zone, but visible from public roads on the Cypriot side. It is located (in the bushes!) at the very western end of runway 09/27.
You may mean Paphos airport? There are two Shackleton’s at the end of the runway there. Last saw them a few weeks ago. They’re in a right state unfortunately.
I was at RAF Nicosia and saw Hermes in Bits Just after the Explosion , the Baggage was loaded waiting for the Passengers to get aboard ,also served at RAF Akrotiri . Planes were mainly Meteor, “Meatbox”,Venom ,Hunter,Canberra Bombers.
Over 40yrs ago whilst serving in 3 Royal Green Jackets a group of us were chosen to receive our UNFICYP medals on the runway at Nicosia for a visiting V.I.P. Sad to see nothing has changed.
Great video, with remarkable detail and research. I was part of the UN force deployed to the airport in July 1974, tasked (slightly optimistically) to keep the Turkish army out of the airport at all costs. I was disappointed you didn't cover this, Ruairidh, as it was a dramatic time, with Turkish tanks lined up near the perimeter and the British troops facing them with antique Saladin and Ferret armoured cars. In the end the Turkish belief that we were part of a much larger armoured force and a lot of negotiation in New York prevented NATO allies fighting each other. I spent two months camped out in the airport terminal and still remember the stench of the rotting food in a nearby building
I have read a report from a British RAF pilot who was serving at RAF Akrotiri in July 1974 during the invasion, that the British forces in Cyprus had the Lightnings ready for action and warned the Turkish forces to keep away from Nicosia airport or else they would face the RAF.
@@Pilgrim06 We had an RAF officer attached to our UN Force as our Forward Air Controller. His assurance to us (as the force protecting the airport) was that he could have RAF fighters above us in five minutes. I have no knowledge of the warning you describe but I am sure the Turkish forces were aware of the capability
@@Pilgrim06 Certinly there were Lightnings and also Phantoms. On July 22nd I evacuated from Kingsfield to Akrotiri courtesy of a raffair C130. And the escort, one trailing above and another below escorted us due south to the Cairo FIR boundary then back up it to abeam Akrotiri. With the ramp down it was a most interesting spectacle with the two of them tucked in close …
@@northernblue1093 I assumed that was the case, so many of these DIY RUclips vids never seem to check their commentaries or graphics. I served with UNFICYP just after the invasion and there were a lot of Turkish troops there!
The initial operation occupied just a narrow corridor between Kyrenia and Nicosia. A resumption of military activity on August 14th eventually saw the Turkish forces occupy the final 34-ish%
Really interesting, thank you. Shame it's not been sorted in 50 years, and now it looks like Turkey won't be joining the EU, it may well be another 50! It would be fascinating to see what would be done with this site and the resort if things could be worked out. What do people think? Demolition? Regeneration? A museum? Or something else?
During 1955 mu family was moving from Athens, Greece to Adana, Turkey. The way to fly was 1st to Nicosia, stay overnight and then fly the next day to Turkey. Our
But now Nicosia which is the capital city of Cyprus has 2 main airports that is still there today and do serve Nicosia and Cyprus. Which are Larnaca International Airport and Paphos International Airport. And are not too far from Nicosia. As Nicosia International Airport has ceased commercial operations in 1974 but is still present today. And is located within the Green Line buffer zone and used as the headquarters of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus. I would like to go Cyprus on holiday and see what Cyprus is all about. As it is a very nice country.
I chuckled when I visited American Samoa in 2015. The McDonalds store there is straight out of the 1950s. The color scheme, the decor, the way they prepare the product, some of the staff…….the only thing that has changed are the prices 😂
You are welcome to visit. It's not called "that airport" but the Nicosia International Airport untill the Turkish invasion on 20/07/1974 which took Cyprus back in time. I've been there. It was the best airport in the middle east. In 1973 788,000 passengers were recoded.
Poor Cyprus - military operations from two other nations and it ends in the island caught in the middle, being devided and people relocated due to two foreign governments.
Can you make videos about all the BR type 1, 2, 4, & 5 as well as every single Pacific Edward Thompson for the London and North Rastern of Railway please. Please respond when you get this please.
The British buggered up big time there. I've been to the North many times. Both the Greek and Turkish Cypriots deserved better from their respective politicians
@@geezberry8889 no, it’s the same. We say a bank holiday for days off work and a holiday for going away. To vacate in Latin is of course to get away, that’s why you Yanks use this Latin based concept from the Spanish. You also say cilantro we say coriander, you use a lot of Spanish words. My partner is an English teacher from Colombia and laughing a lot because she informs me you don’t speak proper English in the US due to your native Indian heritage which has influenced the dialogue over the years. She just also told me bizarre is a French word for strange and we use French words also. She is amazed that I am interested but to be honest I’m more into Maths and engineering and not so interested. She tells me people want to learn English from the UK in Latin America because they do better in interviews. Not sure why
It's a clever "computer" voice which pronounces Nicosia and Makarios in several different ways. Sorry Ruaridh, as a former resident, Brit of course, its 'Knicker-seer' and 'Muh-car-ios', no smut intended. As for Akrotiri and Famagusta, not bad lad. Still, doubt I cd pronounce El Paraïso properly.
The Mirabel Airport of Cyprus. But Nicosia Airport was killed by politics. Mirabel Airport was a Good idea but botched by the politicians in Quebec Province. See the Wikipedia article on Mirabel Airport. In contrast, Nicosia Airport was killed by the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus. Mirabel was opened in 1975 and Nicosia is far older opening in 1948.
@Mick King - Don’t know what your unique interpretation of the word “facts” is, 😂but an invasion by one sovereign nation into another is an invasion, regardless of motive. You’re confusing “facts” with a very different issue that the filmmaker wisely didn’t comment upon, which is whether or not the invasion was justifiable.
The greek intervention should bring Cyprus under greek control but indeed it lead to the turkish invasion and occupation (= loss of greek control in almost the half of the island)
I went back last year for my last ever visit there to see if i could get on and an Argentine soldier refused me access well we were at war with them in 82.
I didn't realise that the Trident at Duxford was the one from here 😮 I've been on it and the preservation teams there have done a great job of making a lovely display on board. It's well worth a visit to the Airliner Collection at Duxford, they have some real gems there alongside the military history on display
My dad worked for Aramco in Saudi Arabia. Nicosia was a favorite with Aramcon's on their paid short holiday. Say 1959-1973. We would go for a week with a couple of neighbors staying in lovely seaside hotels. 3 couples with 6 boys on holiday, from 4-8 years old the first time. Safe, beautiful sea, great food and lovely people. Big airport back then.
Amazing ,having such good memories.
as a Cypriot , I thank you for this
This video is an excellent introduction to the modern history of Cyprus, from 1945.
Thank you for this video and the key footage from this era. I was born in Nicosia in July 1974 just a stone's throw away from this airport. The house where I was born is still a shell, lying just inside the No Man's Land created by the Green Line. Very sad story and still an unresolved conflict to this very day.
Other RUclipsrs merely skirt over many subjects, whereas we can always guarantee that your attention to detail, and all aspects contained within, are brilliantly researched, and delivered with absolutely no nonsense added. This is a truly educational channel. Thank you for all your work.
A super compilation, thank you. I was a toddler at the old RAF airport, where, behind iron mesh fencing, I got hooked on the BEA comets, as we stood so close to them on the ground. Then when the new terminal opened, it was BEA Vanguards & Tridents. One day at the new terminal, RAF Lightnings touched down, opening parachutes behind them- there was always so much fun to be had on the external balcony, together with exotic looking Tupolevs. I took my first flight to Athens on a Trident in 1972, whilst in third grade. Nicosia airport was a glamorous place to be in the early 70’s. Grandpa brought an African grey parrot from Africa one year, and the little clown was whistling his head off inside customs! The end of Nicosia airport marked the end of our childhood innocence, whilst it also ushered in a few years of plane-spotting deprivation 🙁 Each time I drive along the periphery of the airport, I glance across at the current wasteland, the runway and Terminal, and I’m reminded of that dreadful hot summer of 1974 and the fierce battles that took place around the airport day and night. We lived a few kilometres away….only one correction, if I may. Turkey did not just decide to launch an invasion in July 1974, as a reaction to the Coup against Makarios, as you mentioned. Invasions don’t unfold like a summer vacation. Historical evidence from Turkish Cypriot sources reveals that Turkish plans to annex Cyprus stretch as far back in 1958 when Cyprus was still a British colony. Bridge-heads were achieved by Turks in 1964- 1967, whilst a sector of Greekcypriots were busy fighting their own civil war until 1974, not being able to decide amongst them whether to unite with Greece or to remain a Republic….thank you..
Thank you for more memories. ευχαριστώ, φίλε
I lived in Cyprus for 5 years from 1955 onwards as my dad was in the army and we flew in and out of Nicosia a few times in that period. We lived in Famagusta for 2 and a half years and also Larnaca for the rest of our time in Cyprus. I remember going to school on a bus with a soldier sat at the front with a Sten Gun and my dad also had his at home with him. I loved my time in Cyprus and a few years ago went there for a holiday with my late wife and showed her the places i used to go as a child. its a shame that the island is still divided, from this trip it seemed funny to go down Ledra street Nicosia as this was known as Murder mile when i lived there. But it is cut off half way along by the green line but you can look over and the Turkish part of the island.
Thank you. I'd forgotten about the grunt at the front of the school bus. Epharisto poli.
Great topic, and always love seeing a Trident
While I know this wasn't the main topic of the video, in 2016 me and my brother took a trip to what remains of Varosha. We couldn't go in as it was heavily guarded but it felt like a rotting time capsule of the 70s, very surreal. It was also fascinating that they built the hotels so close to the shore, there was very little beach remaining! Still, a fascinating place.
Nowadays you can visit Varosha, at least parts of it. In summer I will be going to northern Cyprus and I will try to get there
Looks like it would be a fascinating place to explore, although I'm not sure how safe it would be. I can imagine gangs and thugs hanging out in the decrepit buildings.
Excellent presentation! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 A lot of interesting information on a subject I remember well from the mid 70s. I noticed in your video a brief image of a Cyprus Airways BAC 1-11. If memory serves me correctly that was 5B-DAF. It was ex G-AXMG, leased from Courtline Aviation and became stranded at Nicosia along with the Tridents.
Also in 1974 Courtline ceased trading so ‘MG was salvaged and returned to the UK. In 1976 ‘MG joined the Monarch Airlines fleet. I had the pleasure of both working and flying on this aircraft for several years, until it was sold to British Island Airways.
Thank you for a brilliant insight into Nicosia airport.
I operated AF to ATH and back on June 14th 1974. I’m not sure if she flew again before the invasion on the 20th, I suspect not
On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of that invasion my mate Stu and I went back and had a very personal return to 5B-DAB. He was the F/O on her last flight so we finally got round to completing the shut down checklist that he had rather rushed through just before it all kicked off. Some of the levers were a bit stiff and someone had let the battery go flat so we retired to the Trident Pub down the road for a Keo - bugger, it was closed!
Anyway, a lot of memories - most of them a bit eroded by all the water that had flowed under that particular bridge …
Got out from Nicosia airport on about the last civil flight as a little chap with my parents. Think that it was a BEA Trident but then I remember ventral stairs, but that might be from previous years in BAC 1-11s. Lived on Cyprus, dad worked there.
NOT evacuated by HMG! I know it's a bldy nightmare looking at Sudan so we shd give the wheels within wheels at least a pause for thought but...
Lots of Greek and Cypriot ladies in black doing their Rosaries, understandably upset at leaving their (daily) lives et al behind and lots of moaning.
My mum sent my little blue eyed blond self plus teddy back down the aisle.
Cue coohing and welcome smiles instead.
They're good at that sort of thing, mums, aren't they?
Great video - having spent a lot of time in Cyprus and been to Nicosia, this was a really useful summary of the history of Cyprus from the 1930’s to the present day using Nicosia Airport as a fulcrum.
My sister's godfather was a Flight Sergeant, RAF Police. My late father informed me that said Grimshaw, who rejoiced in the nickname Tubby, ( he was, believe me!) was awarded the BEM for his conduct in the aftermath of the bombing of the NAAFI at RAF Nicosia in 1958. Dad was based at Episkopi at the time. Fast forward about twelve years and I'm a spotty faced youth passing through Nicosia on a regular basis en route to boarding school in the UK. If one excludes the bird poo the airport terminal is precisely as I remember it. Great video and thanks 👍
A very useful and informative account of unfortunate developments on the now divided island.
I saw 5B-DAC at Duxford when I visited there in April 1998. My friend didnt tell me where we were driving to and suddenly I saw the tail of a BOAC VC10 looming in the near distance.
My mum grew up in Famagusta, house went right onto the beach. Would have been an amazing place to grow up. Shame Famagusta is now near enough abandoned
The tower block hotels were also far to near to the beaches casting them into shadow a lot of the time!
@@melesmelesfaber3866 I think this was before it was properly developed into a 'holiday' destination where is was just small apartment blocks and houses lining the beach.
Whenever I have to go into the UN controlled airport for work, I always try and leave to the small exit at the rear as it takes me past the terminal building and the wreck of the airliner. It really is a surreal scene just not touched in all that time.
Jealous! I drive past it every day to go to work, but have only been in the UN Controlled area once.
Very interesting. I used to stopover at Nicosia when flying on Zambia Airways from London to Lusaka back in the late 60s/early 70s.
1973, I boarded at Nicosia, BOAC VC-10 coming from Lusaka heading to London 😅
Interesting...and rather sad.
Thank you.
☮
There were Hawker Hunters stationed at RAF Nicosia during 1956 and 1957 that I know of, I was a little lad then so have no knowledge of Squadrons, but at least one crashed on the runway in that period.
This is a very interesting video. Being an RAF brat 15 at the time, I remember the events unfolding on the news.
Would love to see a similar video about RAF Khormaksar, aka Aden Airport which over the years has experienced phoenix-like developments.
Went on holiday to Protaras back in 2001 (two-weeks after 9/11) and we took a trip to the ghost town of Varosha. You could only see it in the distance back then, but apparently parts of it have now been opened up and you can go there. Don't go there in the summer months though, as it's bloody HOT!!
Went to Kyrenia in 1972 landing at Nicosia and travelling to Kyrenia in a UN convoy. Sad you didnt mention BEA's operation of Comets and Tridents, the latter frequently having problems taking-off in high temperatures with lack of lift and having to cancel or delay flights. Anyway useful political summary of the situation there over time so very interesting.
5B DAC and AD had a water meths injection system fitted for hot and heavy takeoffs. The three green lights indicating correct operation were keenly watched during the take off roll …
Thank you for a great documentary on this subject.
I was stationed at that airport for 6 months early 80's loved exploring it and the surrounding area.
8:52 Peter Sellars posing as a cleric opened the new air terminal?
You wouldn't have said that to the "Bless'ed" Archbish, if you'd met him though!
Nice video. My unit was at Nicosia with the UN in the early 1980's. RCT.
My Stepfather was a part of the Canadian contingent of the UN mission there. He had some pretty wild stories about not only Cyprus, but Egypt as well.
Very moving... I only knew Larnaca, but have always been fascinated by the Nicosia airport. Until this video, nobody has been able to answer my questions. Thank you so much.
@8:14 Maj Robert Harry Cain VC Jeremy Clarkson's father in law. There's a documentary about him and the VC Jeremy made, probably his best work along with the greatest raid.
Another good quality video another random topic.
Great stuff!👍👍👍
Excellent. Thank you.
Excellent video, I learned a lot, thanks very much!
Interesting remi der of this airport. I spent most of 1971 and 1972 during 2 un tours across the road from this airport at 644 signal squadron hq unficyp. We spent many an unofficial hour in the building drinking whiskey sours. I used to play squash at raf nicosia just down the road.
Excellent video! 👏
A couple of soldier friends of mine went there.. Id love to see it myself. Amazing video ❤
Please don’t forget London and Zurich agreement between Turkish ,Greece , Cyprus Administration in 1959.
Brilliant and informative content
I was based at the airport in 1976 for a full year with the United Nations. Our motto was “ Fighting for peace is like fucking for virginity”
My takeaway: GODDAMN, the Gloster Javelin has one GIANT-ASS FIN!
Very good - 👍
No mention of the wreckage of the old RAF Avro Shackleton just to the west of the airport? It is now inside the green zone, but visible from public roads on the Cypriot side. It is located (in the bushes!) at the very western end of runway 09/27.
You may mean Paphos airport? There are two Shackleton’s at the end of the runway there. Last saw them a few weeks ago. They’re in a right state unfortunately.
@@MikeyJG there is one visible on google maps.
@@MikeyJG No, definitely /not/ the ones at Pafos ... there is another one at Nicosia Int.
Never knew about the Nicosia one! The two abandoned at pathos is tragic.
I was at RAF Nicosia and saw Hermes in Bits Just after the Explosion , the Baggage was loaded waiting for the Passengers to get aboard ,also served at RAF Akrotiri .
Planes were mainly Meteor, “Meatbox”,Venom ,Hunter,Canberra Bombers.
Another well done video.
My first ever holiday was on Cyprus. Flying from Belfast International
Cool my uncle an nephew as child were posted to the region but sad its all so divided still
Over 40yrs ago whilst serving in 3 Royal Green Jackets a group of us were chosen to receive our UNFICYP medals on the runway at Nicosia for a visiting V.I.P. Sad to see nothing has changed.
I recently visited Cyprus and made a video about it too. You have a new subscriber!
Thank you Rory!
😘
Great video, with remarkable detail and research. I was part of the UN force deployed to the airport in July 1974, tasked (slightly optimistically) to keep the Turkish army out of the airport at all costs. I was disappointed you didn't cover this, Ruairidh, as it was a dramatic time, with Turkish tanks lined up near the perimeter and the British troops facing them with antique Saladin and Ferret armoured cars. In the end the Turkish belief that we were part of a much larger armoured force and a lot of negotiation in New York prevented NATO allies fighting each other. I spent two months camped out in the airport terminal and still remember the stench of the rotting food in a nearby building
I have read a report from a British RAF pilot who was serving at RAF Akrotiri in July 1974 during the invasion, that the British forces in Cyprus had the Lightnings ready for action and warned the Turkish forces to keep away from Nicosia airport or else they would face the RAF.
@@Pilgrim06 We had an RAF officer attached to our UN Force as our Forward Air Controller. His assurance to us (as the force protecting the airport) was that he could have RAF fighters above us in five minutes. I have no knowledge of the warning you describe but I am sure the Turkish forces were aware of the capability
@@CharlesW-wz3sc thank you for this information
@@Pilgrim06 Certinly there were Lightnings and also Phantoms. On July 22nd I evacuated from Kingsfield to Akrotiri courtesy of a raffair C130. And the escort, one trailing above and another below escorted us due south to the Cairo FIR boundary then back up it to abeam Akrotiri. With the ramp down it was a most interesting spectacle with the two of them tucked in close …
The Turkish forces took at lot more than 3% of the island.
Commonly quoted as 30%
@@northernblue1093 I assumed that was the case, so many of these DIY RUclips vids never seem to check their commentaries or graphics. I served with UNFICYP just after the invasion and there were a lot of Turkish troops there!
The initial operation occupied just a narrow corridor between Kyrenia and Nicosia. A resumption of military activity on August 14th eventually saw the Turkish forces occupy the final 34-ish%
42%
@@apostoloseleftheriadis8774 Approx 36% according to the UN.
Awesome!
Really interesting, thank you. Shame it's not been sorted in 50 years, and now it looks like Turkey won't be joining the EU, it may well be another 50! It would be fascinating to see what would be done with this site and the resort if things could be worked out. What do people think? Demolition? Regeneration? A museum? Or something else?
Nicosia Airport looked beautiful in the old footage, sadly violence and war had to tear apart of architectural beauty for its time
During 1955 mu family was moving from Athens, Greece to Adana, Turkey. The way to fly was 1st to Nicosia, stay overnight and then fly the next day to Turkey. Our
But now Nicosia which is the capital city of Cyprus has 2 main airports that is still there today and do serve Nicosia and Cyprus. Which are Larnaca International Airport and Paphos International Airport. And are not too far from Nicosia.
As Nicosia International Airport has ceased commercial operations in 1974 but is still present today. And is located within the Green Line buffer zone and used as the headquarters of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus.
I would like to go Cyprus on holiday and see what Cyprus is all about. As it is a very nice country.
Fascinating details, thank you.
But "square kilometres in diameter" - wtf?
I was with the UN in '88/'89 and used to nip up to the airport quite often.
Could've taken a mop and bucket wiv you!
I chuckled when I visited American Samoa in 2015. The McDonalds store there is straight out of the 1950s. The color scheme, the decor, the way they prepare the product, some of the staff…….the only thing that has changed are the prices 😂
Mickey D does that in the states... No wonder.
Hi, I was born in Cyprus, (parents are foreigners) I live in the north, aka a place that doesn’t exist
I’d love to visit that airport and explore
You are welcome to visit. It's not called "that airport" but the Nicosia International Airport untill the Turkish invasion on 20/07/1974 which took Cyprus back in time. I've been there. It was the best airport in the middle east. In 1973 788,000 passengers were recoded.
Although interesting, the narrative is far too fast to process all that information.
It really is.
I wonder if the airport could ever be reopened.
I wonder if it ever would be.
i was there during the cypriot war right in the middle of it
Poor Cyprus - military operations from two other nations and it ends in the island caught in the middle, being devided and people relocated due to two foreign governments.
Up to a pointt, Lord Copper.
I don't know what to make of this. Quite sad actually. Only the birds are free (and can poop in the terminal) after all.
What airplane is that at 3:33? looks like a four-engine DC-3
Not sure but could well be a DC-6. The DC-4 was also 4 engined but there were far fewer of those.
Handley Page Hastings in RAF service from 1948 until 1977.
@@stephenholland5930 Thanks
It's a Handley Page Hermes (or Hastings transport, but the nose markings look civilian)
Can you make videos about all the BR type 1, 2, 4, & 5 as well as every single Pacific Edward Thompson for the London and North Rastern of Railway please. Please respond when you get this please.
When I was in the TRNC in 2022 they were building a Brand new Terminal at Ercan Havalimani opposite of the Old Terminal
The British buggered up big time there. I've been to the North many times. Both the Greek and Turkish Cypriots deserved better from their respective politicians
Me and my wife flew in to Nicosia airport the day after 9/11
Modern Cyprus history. Yes. Also a perfect guide to ruining your thriving island paradise in one easy step.
since Brits use the word holiday for vacation what word do they use for a holiday ?
Vacation is Spanish for holiday
@@peterfinn6098 understood but in the US a vacation is not the same as a holiday. two different things.
@@geezberry8889 how bizarre, that would be so confusing to a Spanish speaking person learning English
@@peterfinn6098 not bizarre. Christmas day is a holiday. Taking a week off from work in June and going to the Bahamas is a vacation
@@geezberry8889 no, it’s the same. We say a bank holiday for days off work and a holiday for going away. To vacate in Latin is of course to get away, that’s why you Yanks use this Latin based concept from the Spanish. You also say cilantro we say coriander, you use a lot of Spanish words. My partner is an English teacher from Colombia and laughing a lot because she informs me you don’t speak proper English in the US due to your native Indian heritage which has influenced the dialogue over the years. She just also told me bizarre is a French word for strange and we use French words also. She is amazed that I am interested but to be honest I’m more into Maths and engineering and not so interested. She tells me people want to learn English from the UK in Latin America because they do better in interviews. Not sure why
❤❤❤❤ Thankyou Turkey 🇹🇷 for saving The Turkish Cypriots...people need to understand there is 2 nations on the island not just Greeks ...
Joker Turks 😂
Why is it that you have this mania about flags, and nation and politics ?
Here we are just talking about the history of Nicosia International Airport.
So nice to see war criminal Kurt Waldheim there at the end basking in the glow not terribly far from the scene of his crimes only 25 years earlier. :(
("Sonderbehandlung")
not 'Ercan' but Tymbou
The behaviour of the Brits was utterly disgrafule
Cyprus
"Russ-oh", not "Rousseaux"!
Frozen in time?
Frozen in bird-poo, it seems!
Worlds longest run-on sentences... You do realise that you can split paragraphs into several sentences?....
You didn't mention the involvement and perhaps active participation of the United States during the 1974 war. Ask any Greek Cypriot their opinion.
🐮🐑🐓🐬 TOY NOT 🐫🐷🐈⬛🐕
You should switch to another computer voice, one that has some intonation instead of the rambling of this voice.
And please slow it down.
It's a clever "computer" voice which pronounces Nicosia and Makarios in several different ways.
Sorry Ruaridh, as a former resident, Brit of course, its 'Knicker-seer' and 'Muh-car-ios', no smut intended.
As for Akrotiri and Famagusta, not bad lad.
Still, doubt I cd pronounce El Paraïso properly.
The Mirabel Airport of Cyprus. But Nicosia Airport was killed by politics. Mirabel Airport was a Good idea but botched by the politicians in Quebec Province. See the Wikipedia article on Mirabel Airport. In contrast, Nicosia Airport was killed by the Turkish Invasion of Cyprus. Mirabel was opened in 1975 and Nicosia is far older opening in 1948.
Get your facts right! Turkey DID NOT invade the island they intervened to prevent a genocide being committed on Cypriot Turks by the Greeks.
By invading...
The Greeks forced their hand. Also how do you think Cyprus came under GB control to begin with before it's independence?
@Mick King - Don’t know what your unique interpretation of the word “facts” is, 😂but an invasion by one sovereign nation into another is an invasion, regardless of motive. You’re confusing “facts” with a very different issue that the filmmaker wisely didn’t comment upon, which is whether or not the invasion was justifiable.
@@neilturner6749 Our fellow Mick will probably argue exactly the same way about what Russia is doing to Ukraine right now. 🤦♂️
@@marcd6897 Or we did to Iraq, or 1/3 of Syria being occupied by US forces….
The greek intervention should bring Cyprus under greek control but indeed it lead to the turkish invasion and occupation (= loss of greek control in almost the half of the island)
I went back last year for my last ever visit there to see if i could get on and an Argentine soldier refused me access well we were at war with them in 82.