Larnaca Cancels 39 Middle-East Flights While Paphos Operates Normally
Tourism Chief Insists Cyprus ‘Remains Safe’ Despite Regional War and Booking Dip
Cyprus air links stabilise as Lufthansa Group and easyJet restart key routes
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Thirty-nine departures scrubbed at Larnaca despite gradual reopening
Operational recovery is uneven. Despite headline announcements of service resumption, Larnaca Airport still cancelled 29 flights on 7 March, mainly on Middle-East and UK routes, whereas Paphos saw minimal disruption. Businesses should therefore treat published timetables with caution, secure alternatives via Paphos where possible, and verify bookings within 48 hours of travel.
Nation-wide drone ban remains in force, affecting aerial work permits and hobbyists
A Transport Ministry decree banning all civilian drone flights over Cyprus remains in effect as of 7 March. The continuing restriction disrupts construction, media and energy projects that rely on UAVs and poses compliance risks for expatriates bringing hobby drones. Companies must suspend aerial operations or seek hard-to-obtain exemptions until further notice.
EU shows ‘strategic autonomy’ by deploying rapid military support to Cyprus
In a 7 March speech, EU Council President António Costa hailed the rapid deployment of Greek, French, Italian and Spanish forces to Cyprus as proof of European ‘strategic autonomy’. Beyond defence optics, the show of solidarity underpins confidence in Cyprus as a safe staging hub for evacuation flights, business travel and logistics during the Middle-East crisis.