Paphos Airport evacuated amidst Middle East conflict

Paphos Airport has been evacuated after radars detected a suspicious object amid the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran.

Passengers were ordered to leave the airport’s terminal building today, according to the Cyprus state broadcaster, as reported by Reuters.

Overnight, an unmanned drone struck the UK’s RAF Akrotiri, about 37 miles away, with sirens going on to sound today at the base as two drones were intercepted.

The overnight drone strike caused minor material damage, according to Cyprus president Nikos Christodoulides.

In response to the strike, easyJet cancelled three return flights due to depart today between the UK and Cyprus.

The affected services were Manchester to Paphos, Gatwick to Larnaca and Gatwick to Paphos.

An easyJet spokesperson said: “Due to the events overnight affecting the RAF base in Akrotiri in Cyprus, as a precaution, three return flights between Paphos and Larnaca and the UK today will not be operating.

“Flights from March 3 are currently operating as planned but we would advise customers due to travel to and from Cyprus over the coming days to check our flight tracker for the latest information.

“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 safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority and we continue to closely monitor the security situation in the region.”

Wizz Air, which operates from Gatwick and Luton to Larnaca, is “closely monitoring” the situation.

An airline spokesperson said: “The airline is closely monitoring developments in Cyprus and remains in ongoing contact with local and international authorities, aviation safety agencies, security authorities, and relevant governmental bodies.

“Operational decisions will continue to be reviewed, and the flight schedule may be adjusted as the situation evolves. The safety and security of our passengers, crew and aircraft remain Wizz Air’s highest priority.”

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