Holidaymakers and business travellers flying to and from Cyprus are facing significant disruption this week, with major airlines including easyJet, British Airways, and Ryanair cancelling multiple routes. The chaos stems from a temporary closure of Paphos International Airport after an unidentified drone was spotted in its restricted airspace on March 3, 2026.
Airport Closure and Ongoing Delays
Paphos International Airport was shut down for a period yesterday due to the drone sighting, which raised security concerns. Although the airport has since reopened, the ripple effects continue to cause widespread flight cancellations and delays. As of today, over 30 flights have been cancelled across Cyprus's two main airports, with further disruptions anticipated as the situation evolves.
Paphos Airport Disruptions
At Paphos, easyJet has cancelled a key afternoon service: the arrival from London-Gatwick scheduled for 2pm and the corresponding departure back to Gatwick at 3pm. Ryanair flights from London-Stansted are currently operating, but passengers are urged to monitor updates closely via the airline's app. Additionally, two Ryanair flights to and from Amman have been scrapped for later this evening, reflecting broader regional instability linked to the Middle East conflict.
Larnaca Airport Cancellations
Larnaca International Airport is experiencing even more severe disruptions, with 25 cancellations recorded today. easyJet accounts for six of these, including three arrivals from London-Gatwick and Liverpool, and three departures to the same UK airports. British Airways has also axed flights from London-Heathrow and London-Gatwick to Larnaca, along with return services to London. While some Wizz Air flights to European destinations are proceeding, routes to Tel Aviv remain cancelled.
Airlines' Response and Customer Advice
In response to the turmoil, airlines have implemented flexible booking policies. British Airways stated, "We have actioned a flexible customer booking policy which allows all customers due to travel between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Tel Aviv in the coming days the option to change their flights for free or get a refund. Customers travelling to Larnaca can rebook for free." They advise passengers to check flight statuses on BA.com before heading to the airport.
easyJet echoed this sentiment, noting, "We are doing all we can to minimise the impact for our customers and are providing options for rebooking including on other airlines or a refund as well as hotel accommodation and meals for those who require them." The airline recommends using its flight tracker for real-time updates. Ryanair has been contacted for comment but has not yet issued a detailed statement.
Travel Advisory and Passenger Guidance
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is not currently advising against travel to Cyprus. However, given the volatile situation, travellers with upcoming trips should regularly check the FCDO website for any changes. Passengers can also monitor flight statuses directly through the Paphos Airport and Larnaca Airport websites, which list upcoming departures and arrivals.
This incident highlights the broader impact of regional conflicts on air travel, with the drone scare exacerbating existing tensions. As airlines scramble to adjust schedules, passengers are left navigating a landscape of uncertainty, underscoring the importance of staying informed and flexible during such disruptions.
