British troops in Cyprus have been placed on high alert following a drone strike at RAF Akrotiri, as tensions between the US and Iran escalate. The attack, which occurred on 2 March 2026, involved an Iranian-made Shahed drone that targeted the airport runway, causing minor damage but no casualties.
The strike came shortly after UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer authorised the US to use British military bases for attacks against Iran. In response, easyJet cancelled three return flights between the UK and Cyprus as a precautionary measure. However, flights to and from Paphos and Larnaca airports continue to operate as scheduled.
The UK Foreign Office has not advised against travel to Cyprus but warns of 'significant security risks' due to regional instability. British nationals are urged to keep their travel plans under review, ensure documents are up to date, and follow instructions from local authorities. The FCDO also advises monitoring news and signing up for travel alerts.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides stated that the country's forces remain on 'alert and in full operational readiness'. Since the initial strike, two additional drones targeting the base have been shot down. The tourism-dependent island, which welcomed 4 million visitors last year—a third from the UK—is now facing concerns over a potential downturn in bookings.
Vassilis Georgiou, a watersports business owner in Ayia Napa, noted that hoteliers are reporting a drop in reservations. Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis expressed hope for a good tourist season if the conflict ends by Easter, though US President Donald Trump has demanded Iran's 'unconditional surrender' for that to happen.
