Paphos Airport was evacuated due to a drone threat, with the embassy advising people to ‘avoid the area.’
Paphos Airport has been swiftly cleared due to sightings of a drone in the vicinity.
Evacuation Due to Drone Threat
Image View (FILE PIC) Paphos Airport in Cyprus has been cleared (Image: Getty)
On Monday, Paphos Airport was evacuated due to concerns regarding a possible drone threat in the surrounding area.
Authorities Respond to Incident
On Monday afternoon, the Paphos airport was cleared out after an unidentified drone was spotted within the airport’s restricted airspace.
Authorities mandated an immediate and complete evacuation as a precaution while security teams evaluated the circumstances. Passengers and personnel were directed to exit the terminal building, with airport operations temporarily halted to prioritize public safety.
Passenger Safety Measures
Shortly after 12:45 pm (10:45 am GMT), passengers and personnel evacuated the airport. Cyprus is on heightened alert following an incident where an Iranian drone crashed at a British RAF facility in Akrotiri, which is approximately 37 miles (60 kilometers) from Paphos.
The U.S. embassy in Cyprus has issued a warning regarding a potential drone threat in the Paphos area. In a message directed at American citizens, it stated: “We have received information about a possible drone threat to the Paphos region. Please refrain from visiting the Embassy unless it is an emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Nicosia advises U.S. citizens in Cyprus to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety.”
Impact on Airport Operations
The embassy has advised individuals to steer clear of locations near military sites, government facilities, or other possible targets, and to remain indoors, away from windows and glass doors.
This update comes just hours after the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) revised its travel guidance for Cyprus due to drone incidents targeting the RAF base on the island. The most recent advisory states: "On 2 March 2026, the Sovereign Base Areas Administration reported a suspected drone strike at RAF Akrotiri.
"British citizens residing in the Sovereign Base Areas are advised to adhere to the guidance provided by the Sovereign Base Areas Administration. British citizens in the Republic of Cyprus should comply with any directives issued by local Cypriot authorities."
The FCDO warns of a "heightened risk of regional tensions" and states that "escalation may result in travel disruptions and unforeseen consequences".
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the military installation experienced what appears to have been a drone attack, though there were no reported injuries.
In a statement, easyJet announced: "As a precautionary measure due to the recent incidents at the RAF base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, three return flights today between Paphos and Larnaca and the UK will be canceled."
"Flights starting from 3 March are operating as scheduled; however, we recommend that travelers heading to and from Cyprus in the upcoming days check our flight tracker for the most current updates."
"We are making every effort to reduce the effects on our customers and are offering alternatives for rebooking, including flights with other airlines or a refund, as well as accommodations and meals for those in need."
"The well-being of our passengers and staff is our top concern, and we are actively monitoring the security conditions in the area."
The recent conflict erupted on Saturday morning when Israel and the United States initiated an assault on Iran’s leadership and military, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran has conducted retaliatory attacks throughout the Middle East, including strikes on Dubai, and has declared its intention to target US military installations.
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