Cyprus Travel Safety: Latest Guidance After RAF Base Drone Incident
As tensions escalate in the Middle East involving the US, Israel, and Iran, a British military base in Cyprus, RAF Akrotiri, was struck by an unmanned drone overnight on Sunday, 1 March 2026. This event has prompted updated travel advice for visitors to the island, located northwest of Israel.
Government Travel Advice for Cyprus
On Monday, 2 March 2026, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) issued new guidance following the suspected drone impact at RAF Akrotiri. The Sovereign Base Areas Administration confirmed the incident, advising British nationals in the Sovereign Base Areas to monitor instructions via the British Bases Cyprus Facebook page. Those in the Republic of Cyprus should follow directives from local Cypriot authorities.
While the FCDO does not currently warn against travel to Cyprus, it emphasises that travellers should take sensible precautions due to a heightened risk of regional tensions. The Sovereign Base Areas Administration and British Forces Cyprus are collaborating with local leaders to support any Akrotiri residents wishing to temporarily leave the village.
Flights to and from Cyprus
Most flights to and from Paphos International and Larnaca airports are operating as scheduled. However, easyJet cancelled three return flights between the UK and Cyprus on Monday as a precautionary measure in response to the overnight events affecting RAF Akrotiri.
An easyJet spokesperson stated that flights from 3 March are currently planned to proceed as normal, but passengers due to travel to or from Cyprus in the coming days should check the airline's flight tracker for the latest updates. The airline is offering rebooking options, including on other carriers, refunds, and accommodation for affected customers.
Impacted journeys include departures from London Gatwick and Manchester airports.
Advice for Holidaymakers Already in Cyprus
For those already on the island, the FCDO recommends signing up for email alerts from its travel advice service, monitoring local and international media for developments, and adhering to instructions from local authorities during this period of increased regional tension.
Cancelling Holidays to Cyprus
Since the FCDO has not advised against non-essential travel to Cyprus, there are no special circumstances in place for obtaining a full refund. Cancellation terms depend on individual holiday providers, so travellers should contact their companies directly if considering postponement.
Companies are not obligated to refund bookings if customers cancel, and travel insurance claims for safety concerns are unlikely to be valid unless government advice changes.
