Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas has denied allegations regarding the selection of personnel for the presidential aircraft, dismissing them as “unfounded and misleading”.

His response follows reports by the daily newspaper Alithia, which suggested irregularities in the appointment of a flight attendant linked to President Nikos Christodoulides.

In a written statement, Palmas clarified that since its acquisition from Greece, the aircraft has been fully managed by the air command of the National Guard. He emphasised that all staff, including pilots, engineers, and flight attendants, are appointed following strict internal regulations.

Palmas detailed the selection procedure, stating that applications for flight attendants were invited through internal circulars on May 2, 2022. The appointments were finalised on May 27, 2022, by a designated committee based on specific criteria. Selected candidates then underwent specialised training at an aviation centre in Elefsina, Greece. He further explained that these flight attendants also perform additional duties at their assigned units when not on duty during official flights.

The minister directly addressed allegations concerning a specific flight attendant, identified in reports as a relative of Christodoulides. Palmas refuted the claim, stating that the individual in question was selected and trained in 2022, months before Christodoulides assumed office in 2023.

“There is no truth to this misleading claim,” he stated firmly.

“The flight attendant was appointed through the standard process and completed her first presidential flight on October 19, 2022, accompanying the former president on an official trip.”

Palmas had previously criticised press reports questioning the allocation of contract soldiers to specific roles, including positions linked to the Cyprus Intelligence Service (KYP) and the presidential jet.

Dismissing the claims as “malicious” and misleading, he stressed that such reports could undermine national security.

The government, he noted, has struggled to retain contract soldiers due to low salaries, leading to increased remuneration and new benefits. Meanwhile, Disy has accused the administration of unchecked hiring, despite previous legislation on National Guard staffing being passed under its leadership in 2022. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis countered that Disy’s stance contradicts its own prior decisions, escalating political tensions ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections.

Addressing concerns over financial benefits, Palmas explained that all National Guard personnel travelling for official purposes receive standard overseas allowances, as per legislation. He clarified that flight attendants receive no additional payments beyond their assigned duties.

He condemned what he described as “clickbait journalism” and the spreading of false information, urging media outlets to focus on factual reporting.

“It is our collective responsibility, including that of journalists, to ensure accurate and objective information reaches the public,” he said.