Cyprus Travel Safety: Foreign Office Issues Warning After Iran Drone Strike
A UK airbase in Cyprus, RAF Akrotiri, was targeted by an Iranian-made Shahed drone overnight, escalating tensions in the Middle East. The strike occurred shortly after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer permitted the US to utilise British military bases for operations against Iran. Fortunately, there were no casualties, as the blast focused on the airport runway. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed that the nation's forces are on high alert and in full operational readiness.
Foreign Office Guidance for British Travellers
With Cyprus being a favoured destination for British holidaymakers, many are questioning its safety. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has highlighted a heightened risk of regional tension in Cyprus. Britons planning visits are advised to take sensible precautions, considering personal circumstances, and warned that escalation could lead to travel disruptions and unforeseen impacts.
Recommended precautions include:
- Signing up for FCDO Travel Advice email alerts.
- Reviewing UK government guidance on crisis preparation and response abroad.
- Monitoring local and international media for updates.
- Subscribing to local alerts to follow instructions from authorities.
Flight Status and Airline Cancellations
Numerous airlines, such as British Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air UK, and Jet2, typically operate direct flights from the UK to Cyprus. However, easyJet has cancelled all flights between the UK and Cyprus, citing increased security issues in the Eastern Mediterranean. An easyJet spokesperson explained that three return flights to Paphos and Larnaca were cancelled as a precaution, with flights from March 3 currently proceeding as planned. Passengers are encouraged to check the flight tracker for the latest information.
Several British Airways flights at Larnaca have also been cancelled, alongside dozens of other flights across the Middle East due to airspace closures and security concerns. Travellers should regularly verify their flight status and opt into airline communications for updates.
Passenger Rights and Refund Options
If your flight to Cyprus is cancelled, UK law mandates that airlines provide assistance, including food, drink, communication means, accommodation if rerouted, and transport. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) notes that airlines must offer these until passengers reach their destination, regardless of delay cause. In cases where airlines cannot arrange assistance, passengers may organise reasonable care themselves and claim costs later, keeping receipts and avoiding excessive spending.
For those reconsidering travel, refund eligibility depends on ticket type. Flexible tickets may allow full refunds or date changes up to 24 hours before departure, but non-refundable tickets typically do not qualify, as the FCDO has not explicitly advised against travel to Cyprus.
Regional Travel Considerations
Given Cyprus's proximity to Turkey, travellers might inquire about safety there. The FCDO advises against all travel within 10km of the Syrian border due to fighting and terrorism risks, warning that regional escalation poses significant security threats and travel disruptions.
Stay informed by monitoring travel alerts and news for any developments that could affect your plans.
