Cyprus Travel Safety: Latest FCDO Guidance After RAF Base Targeted by Drone
As tensions escalate in the Middle East involving the US, Israel, and Iran, concerns have mounted among travellers planning holidays to Cyprus. This follows a recent incident where RAF Akrotiri, a British military base on the island, was struck by an unmanned drone overnight on 1 March 2026. Despite this event, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) continues to regard Cyprus as generally safe for travel, but has issued updated advice in light of the heightened regional instability.
What Does the FCDO Say About Travel to Cyprus?
In response to the suspected drone impact at RAF Akrotiri, the FCDO released a statement on 2 March 2026, confirming the incident and providing specific instructions. British nationals within the Sovereign Base Areas are advised to follow updates from the Sovereign Base Areas Administration via their British Bases Cyprus Facebook page. Those in the Republic of Cyprus should adhere to guidance from local Cypriot authorities.
Importantly, the FCDO has not issued a warning against travel to Cyprus. However, it cautions that "regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption." This advice remained unchanged as of Monday, 23 March 2026, underscoring the ongoing volatile situation in the area.
Guidance for Travellers Already in Cyprus
For holidaymakers currently in Cyprus, the FCDO recommends several proactive steps to ensure safety:
- Sign up for FCDO Travel Advice email alerts to receive real-time updates.
- Monitor both local and international media for the latest developments.
- Follow instructions from local authorities diligently during this period of heightened tension.
These measures are designed to help travellers stay informed and respond appropriately to any emerging threats or disruptions.
Flight Operations and Cancellations
Flights to and from major Cypriot airports, such as Paphos International and Larnaca, are currently operating on schedule. However, Cyprus Airways has announced cancellations for all flights to and from Dubai, Beirut, and Tel Aviv until 31 March 2026, citing ongoing security risks in the Middle East. The airline stated it will continue to assess the situation in coordination with regulatory authorities and may adjust schedules further if necessary.
Cancelling or Postponing Your Holiday
Since the FCDO has not advised against non-essential travel to Cyprus, travellers looking to cancel their trips will not benefit from special circumstances for full refunds. Cancellation terms depend entirely on individual holiday providers, so it is crucial to contact them directly if considering postponement. Companies are not obligated to refund bookings based on personal safety concerns, and travel insurance claims for such reasons are unlikely to be valid unless government advice changes.
In summary, while Cyprus remains accessible for travel, the recent drone strike at RAF Akrotiri highlights broader security risks in the region. Travellers should stay vigilant, follow official guidance, and check with their providers for any flexibility in plans.
