RAF Akrotiri

RAF Akrotiri is the RAF's largest airfield - some 18 square miles - and is home to a mix of Army, RAF, RN and civilian personnel, which was first opened in 1956. The RAF use the airfield as a staging post for transport aircraft, and as a temporary operating base for aircraft carrying out Armament Practice Camps. The RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, also use the airfield every year for their display work up. Permanently based at Akrotiri is 84 Squadron with Griffin HAR.2, who perform Search and Rescue duties as well as a support role for the UN peacekeeping forces on the island.