Drone alerts trigger evacuations at RAF Akrotiri and Paphos Airport in Cyprus

Cyprus faced heightened security tensions after multiple drone incidents targeted the United Kingdom’s RAF Akrotiri base, prompting evacuations and flight disruptions across the island.

RAF Akrotiri Targeted

Two unmanned drones fired toward RAF Akrotiri were “dealt with in a timely manner,” according to Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis. Earlier, shortly after midnight, a small drone struck the base’s runway, causing minor damage but no casualties. A second security alert followed around midday.

Sources indicated that the drones were likely launched from Lebanon, with Hezbollah suspected of involvement, though no official confirmation was issued.

As a precaution, British authorities evacuated the airbase. The Cypriot government subsequently ordered the evacuation of the nearby village of Akrotiri. Personnel at the base were instructed to remain indoors, avoid windows, and take cover until further notice. Unconfirmed reports suggested precautionary measures were also taken at the Dhekelia base and that alarms sounded at the US embassy in Nicosia.

easyJet cancelled its flights to Cyprus until further notice.

Paphos Airport Evacuated

The security situation escalated further when an unidentified drone was detected inside restricted airspace at Paphos International Airport, located roughly 60 kilometres from Akrotiri. The airport was fully evacuated shortly after 12:45 local time, with operations temporarily suspended while authorities assessed the threat.

The U.S. Embassy in Nicosia issued a warning to American citizens, advising them to avoid military and government sites and to remain indoors away from windows.

Travel Disruptions and Airline Response

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that RAF Akrotiri had responded to a suspected drone strike, stating that force protection levels in the region were at their highest.

In response to the incident, easyJet cancelled several return flights between the UK and Cyprus on Monday, including services to Paphos and Larnaca. The airline said flights from 3 March were scheduled to operate normally but advised passengers to monitor updates. Affected customers were offered rebooking options, refunds, and accommodation where necessary.

The incidents underline growing regional tensions and the vulnerability of both military and civilian infrastructure to drone threats, with Cyprus now maintaining elevated vigilance.