Dhekelia Airfield
The Dhekelia Airfield is a British military airfield located in the Eastern Sovereign Base Area of Dhekelia, on the island of Cyprus. It is part of the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, a British Overseas Territory established in 1960.
Dhekelia Station is home to approximately 1,250 personnel, of which around 600 are military, with the remainder comprising civil servants, families, and contracted personnel. Additionally, approximately 350 Locally Employed Civilians work on the station daily.
History
Dhekelia Airfield was established following the independence of Cyprus in 1960 as part of the agreements in the Treaty of Establishment. British military missions in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East have relied heavily on the support provided by the airfield.Cold War Era
During the Cold War, Dhekelia Airfield was used primarily for reconnaissance and surveillance operations. Its strategic location allowed for monitoring of activities in the Middle East and supported various NATO operations in the region.1974 Turkish invasion
During the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in July 1974, the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area played a significant role in humanitarian operations. On 21 July 1974, when the war situation made evacuation necessary, foreign missions were evacuated to the British Sovereign Base Area at Dhekelia.Modern operations
In recent years, Dhekelia Airfield has supported numerous operations, including training exercises and logistical support. The airfield continues to be an asset for the British Armed Forces, for rapid deployment and operational readiness.Facilities and operations
The airfield features a single asphalt runway and is primarily used by helicopters from the Army Air Corps. The facilities at Dhekelia Airfield support a wide range of military activities, including training, logistics, and emergency support.Community and amenities
Dhekelia Garrison includes a variety of amenities for military personnel and their families. These amenities include:- King Richard School: Provides comprehensive secondary education following the UK curriculum.
- Recreational Facilities: Gymnasium, swimming pool, cinema, and other recreational facilities ensure a high quality of life for those stationed at the garrison.
- Community Services: Shops, banks, and a post office are available within the garrison to support the community's needs.