Cyprus Airport Evacuated Following Unidentified Drone Incident
Paphos International Airport in Cyprus was ordered to undergo an immediate and total evacuation on the morning of March 2, 2026, following reports of an unidentified drone entering its restricted airspace. The incident has triggered significant disruption for airlines and passengers, with around 60 flights cancelled to the island today alone.
Major Airlines Respond with Flight Cancellations
Several European carriers have already taken precautionary measures, cancelling flights to Cyprus in response to the drone threat and a related incident at the RAF base in Akrotiri. British Airways has cancelled its Larnaca service for March 2, along with flights to multiple Middle Eastern destinations including Amman, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Doha, and Tel Aviv up to and including March 5.
In a statement, BA emphasised that safety is our top priority and confirmed they have implemented a flexible booking policy. Affected customers can rebook for free or obtain a refund, with those travelling to Larnaca specifically eligible for free rebooking. Passengers are advised to check their flight status on BA.com for the latest updates.
EasyJet and Other Carriers Adjust Operations
EasyJet has cancelled three return flights between Paphos, Larnaca, and the UK as a precautionary measure. An easyJet spokesperson stated that flights from March 3 are currently operating as planned, but urged customers to monitor their Flight Tracker for real-time information. The airline is offering rebooking options on other carriers, refunds, and accommodation support for impacted travellers.
Other airlines are closely monitoring the situation. TUI has not yet released a specific statement regarding Cyprus, with its flights from Paphos and Larnaca scheduled from Wednesday onwards showing no cancellations or delays at present. However, TUI has advised customers travelling to the UAE or Qatar up to March 8 to contact their pre-travel team, suggesting a similar process may apply if the situation extends to Cyprus.
Jet2 flights for March 3 and 4 are not currently showing as cancelled or delayed, but the airline has directed customers to contact their pre-travel team via WhatsApp for personalised advice and options.
Impact on Holidaymakers and Travel Advice
Cyprus is a highly popular destination for British tourists, attracting over 1.3 million visitors annually. With the busy Easter period approaching, many holidaymakers are concerned about potential disruptions to their travel plans. Airlines are assessing the situation daily to determine when flights can safely resume.
Travellers are strongly advised to:
- Check airline websites and flight trackers regularly for updates.
- Review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice for Cyprus, as conditions may change rapidly.
- Utilise flexible booking policies offered by airlines for rebooking or refunds.
The evacuation and subsequent flight cancellations underscore the ongoing challenges posed by unauthorized drone activity in critical airspace, highlighting the importance of stringent safety protocols in aviation operations.
