Paphos International Airport in Cyprus was evacuated Monday afternoon after an unidentified drone was detected in the airport’s restricted airspace, disrupting travel and raising regional security concerns.
Authorities ordered a “total evacuation” of the terminal building shortly after 12:45 pm local time, according to multiple reports. Passengers and staff were instructed to leave the premises as security teams assessed the potential threat. The evacuation prompted the suspension of all airport operations.
The incident occurred amid heightened tensions in the region following an Iranian drone attack on a British Royal Air Force (RAF) base at Akrotiri, approximately 37 miles from Paphos. While the nature of the drone and its origin remain unclear, the proximity of the two events has prompted increased vigilance.
The U.S. Embassy in Cyprus issued a statement to American citizens advising them of a “possible drone threat” in the Paphos region. The embassy urged U.S. Citizens to avoid areas near military installations, government buildings, or other potential targets and to remain indoors, away from windows and glass doors. The embassy also advised against visiting the embassy itself unless facing an emergency.
EasyJet has cancelled three return flights between Paphos and the UK as a precautionary measure following the attack on RAF Akrotiri, though flights scheduled for March 3rd are currently expected to operate as planned. The airline advised passengers to check for updates.
The evacuation of Paphos International Airport follows reports that Iranian drones were used in the attack on the RAF base. UK officials have stated that the device used in the attack on Akrotiri was not necessarily fired directly from Iran, but may have originated from Tehran-backed proxies, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon.
As of Monday evening, the airport remained closed, and authorities have not provided a timeline for reopening. The investigation into the drone sighting is ongoing.
