EasyJet Cancels UK-Cyprus Flights After RAF Akrotiri Drone Incident
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easyJet cancelled several UK-Cyprus flights on March 2 as a precaution following a drone incident at the RAF Akrotiri base, affecting multiple routes.
Key Takeaways
- •Cancelled three return flights between the UK and Cyprus on March 2, 2026.
- •Cited a drone incident at the RAF Akrotiri base as a precautionary measure.
- •Stated that flights are scheduled to resume as planned from March 3.
- •Offered affected passengers rebooking options, refunds, and accommodation.
Low-cost carrier easyJet cancelled three return flights between the United Kingdom and Cyprus on Monday, March 2, 2026, as a precautionary measure following a security incident. The disruption was triggered by an overnight drone incident at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Akrotiri base, a key British military installation on the island. The airline confirmed the cancellations affected services connecting both Larnaca and Paphos with the UK.
The operational decision impacts passengers on routes from Larnaca International Airport (LCA) to London Gatwick Airport (LGW), and from Paphos International Airport (PFO) to both London Gatwick and Manchester Airport (MAN). While initial reports suggested a prolonged disruption, an easyJet spokesperson clarified the immediate scope of the cancellations. Flights from Tuesday, March 3, are currently expected to operate as scheduled, though the airline has advised all passengers traveling to or from Cyprus in the coming days to monitor their flight status.
Airline Response and Passenger Options
In a formal statement, easyJet addressed the situation, directly linking the flight suspensions to the security event. “Due to the events overnight affecting the RAF base in Akrotiri in Cyprus, as a precaution, three return flights between Paphos and Larnaca and the UK today will not be operating,” the spokesperson said. The airline emphasized that the safety of customers and crew is its highest priority and that it continues to monitor the regional security situation closely.
For passengers affected by the cancellations on March 2, easyJet has outlined several options to mitigate the disruption. The carrier is providing opportunities for rebooking, including on alternative airlines, or a full refund for the cancelled portion of the journey. For those left stranded, the airline has also committed to providing hotel accommodation and meals as required. Customers are being directed to check the official easyJet Flight Tracker for the most current information regarding their travel plans.
Government Travel Advisory
The flight cancellations coincide with updated guidance from the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). On March 2, the FCDO revised its travel advice for Cyprus, acknowledging a suspected drone impact at RAF Akrotiri. While the government has not issued a 'no travel' advisory, the update warns of a 'heightened risk of regional tension' that could potentially lead to further travel disruptions. Travelers are advised to consult the official FCDO Travel Advice for Cyprus page for comprehensive details before their journey.
Regional Tensions Impacting Air Travel
The incident in Cyprus is not an isolated event but part of a broader trend of heightened security concerns impacting airline operations in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. Geopolitical instability is increasingly forcing carriers to make rapid operational decisions, including route adjustments and flight suspensions, as a precautionary measure.
On the same day as the easyJet cancellations, British Airways also reportedly cancelled flights to Cyprus, indicating a coordinated response to the perceived security risk. This pattern of disruption extends beyond Cyprus, with various international airlines having recently suspended or altered flight paths to destinations in the UAE and Qatar due to escalating regional conflicts. These events underscore the aviation industry's sensitivity to security threats, even when they do not directly target civilian infrastructure. The proximity of a military incident to major civilian airports like Paphos and Larnaca was sufficient to trigger a conservative safety response from multiple carriers.
What Comes Next for Passengers
While easyJet has stated its intention to resume normal operations from March 3, this is contingent on the evolving security situation. The airline's statement that it will “continue to closely monitor the security situation in the region” suggests that further schedule changes remain a possibility if conditions warrant.
Passengers with upcoming bookings to or from Cyprus on any airline are strongly encouraged to proactively check their flight status before heading to the airport. The immediate priority for easyJet is to manage the rebooking and accommodation of several hundred passengers affected by the cancelled Monday flights. The operational focus will then shift to ensuring a smooth resumption of the full flight schedule, assuming no further security alerts arise.
Why This Matters
This development highlights the vulnerability of commercial aviation schedules to regional geopolitical and security events. The immediate cancellation of flights by a major carrier like easyJet, based on an incident at a nearby military facility, demonstrates the industry's extremely low tolerance for risk. For aviation professionals, it serves as a reminder of how quickly external, non-aviation-related conflicts can create significant operational and logistical challenges, impacting network integrity and passenger confidence.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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