Cyprus Airport Evacuated Following Drone Threat Near RAF Base
Paphos International Airport in Cyprus was evacuated on Monday after a suspicious object was detected on radar systems, sparking security concerns in the region. The incident occurred as travel chaos continues to unfold across the Middle East, with recent hotel strikes in the Iran-US conflict adding to the turmoil.
Security Alert at Paphos Airport
The evacuation was prompted by the detection of an unidentified object, which authorities are investigating as a potential drone threat. Paphos Airport is located approximately 60 kilometres from Britain's RAF Akrotiri, a strategic military base that had been targeted by an unmanned drone overnight. Sirens sounded at the British base just after midday on Monday, leading to aircraft taking off as a precautionary measure.
Despite the evacuation and heightened security alerts, most flights to and from Paphos and Larnaca airports are operating as scheduled. Travellers have been advised that they will not receive automatic refunds for cancellations, as the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not issued a travel advisory against visiting Cyprus.
UK Travel Advice Updated
The FCDO has updated its travel guidance for British nationals, urging them to take sensible precautions due to the heightened risk of regional tensions. This update follows Prime Minister Keir Starmer's recent statement that Britain has agreed to a US request to use its bases, including RAF Akrotiri, for defensive strikes against Iranian missiles.
In response to the escalating situation, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides emphasised that Cyprus does not participate in and has no intention of being part of any military operations. This stance underscores the country's neutral position amid the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Impact on Travel and Regional Stability
The drone threat and subsequent evacuation highlight the broader instability affecting travel in the region. With the Iran-US conflict intensifying, including strikes on hotels, the security landscape remains volatile. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, but for now, travel to Cyprus continues with heightened vigilance.
Passengers are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and follow any additional instructions from airport and government officials as developments unfold.
