Israel’s Shin Bet security service has instructed Israeli carriers El Al, Arkia and Israir to suspend operations into Paphos and route all Cyprus flights through Larnaca Airport following unspecified security concerns. The directive, confirmed by both governments on 27 November, immediately cancelled at least one TUS Air Tel Aviv–Paphos service and shifted several Israeli carriers’ rotations to Larnaca.
Cyprus government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said authorities are cooperating closely with Israel and that flights are operating normally via Larnaca. No timeline was given for resuming Paphos services, and officials declined to specify the nature of the threat.
![Israeli security directive diverts Tel Aviv–Paphos flights to Larnaca until further notice]()
The sudden change has implications for winter-sun tourism on the island’s western coast and for property-sector professionals who market Paphos heavily to Israeli buyers. Hoteliers have begun arranging transfer buses for guests landing 135 km away.
Travel-risk consultants have raised alert levels for corporate groups transiting the region and advise monitoring advisories from both governments. Airlines are waiving change fees but warned that seat availability is limited because of high demand linked to the Hanukkah travel period.
The episode underscores how geopolitical tensions can rapidly disrupt regional mobility, reinforcing the importance of contingency planning for assignee travel and charter operations.
Cyprus government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said authorities are cooperating closely with Israel and that flights are operating normally via Larnaca. No timeline was given for resuming Paphos services, and officials declined to specify the nature of the threat.
The sudden change has implications for winter-sun tourism on the island’s western coast and for property-sector professionals who market Paphos heavily to Israeli buyers. Hoteliers have begun arranging transfer buses for guests landing 135 km away.
Travel-risk consultants have raised alert levels for corporate groups transiting the region and advise monitoring advisories from both governments. Airlines are waiving change fees but warned that seat availability is limited because of high demand linked to the Hanukkah travel period.
The episode underscores how geopolitical tensions can rapidly disrupt regional mobility, reinforcing the importance of contingency planning for assignee travel and charter operations.
